Tablets - I'm confused, will someone help me out.

FabMan on 30/04/2013 - 20:23
Last edited 05/05/2013 - 15:39

I would like a tablet as I have a lot of spare time and I intend to study and read so I am looking at a tablet.

I ideally want a Surface Pro, but not available in Australia and the Intel Haswell platform looks good for the mobile platform so I think I'll hold out till then. Could be a year before the Surface Pro 2 is released here, is that too long to wait? Importing a Surface Pro means spending over $1000, leading me to pay tax and if something goes wrong on something so expensive… yikes. Probably best to wait till its sold in Australian stores.

So I need a tablet/hybrid while I wait, I will try to resell it when the SP is available. I could go for an expensive Google Nexus 10 and use a Bluetooth keyboard. Owning a HTC One X I have lots of paid apps and games already on the Android system, so it makes it attractive. I won't be getting Apple products because of this.

What about cheaper tablets like Samsung Galaxy 2 10.1 or a Novo Sparks 9? If I buy a cheap tablet can I play any decent games on it and use it? If I buy an expensive one, am I wasting money since I won't keep it for long.

My brain is fried reading so many spec sheets, can someone help me and my brain.

-Edit-

I went with the Nexus 10, reason being is that in the next year I want to buy Surface Pro 2 (I assume it will be out early next year with Haswell behind the seat) and I reckon I can sell on my Nexus 10, if in good condition, without a giant loss. In the mean time, I get a top notch tablet to read, surf and play games on. Where I will use my tablet I will have a power point nearby.

Computing

Comments

  • RI4V4N on 30/04/2013 - 21:09

    I heard the surface pro is on its way to australia soon.
    http://www.gizmodo.com.au/2013/04/surface-pro-coming-to-aust…

    Rejoyce! I don't know what the price tag will be like though, would not be surprised it it's over 1k.
    Make sure you get the actual type keyboard, if you actually want to do some typing on it. The other issue is the battery life is small since it's more like a laptop than a tablet.

    Personally I have a nexus 7, because it's cheap, powerful and I find it really easy to type on when holding it in portrait, but hey, it might not be for you, go with what suits you.

    • FabMan on 30/04/2013 - 21:33

      I suppose I could wait a month and get this generation of Surface Pro, I already have a HTC One X and the screen is small for reading and playing certain games. I was thinking a 10 inch so I'd have plenty of space for reading and other games could work.

      Still not sure, still reading… eyes are going to bleed soon I'm sure.

  • mitcheo on 30/04/2013 - 21:41

    Im in the same boat, i want a 10" one with 3g

    • Ramrunner on 01/05/2013 - 07:51
      +3

      Important - unless you really , really want it, do NOT got a tablet with 3G built in!

      1> They are usually about $300 more expensive.
      2> If you want to use that service on another device you need another device with a 3G card slot.
      3> Can be highly incompatible with Australia's services, or overseas.

      You are FAR better off getting WiFi only and grabbing a 3/4G hotspot device from your favourite provider to go with it. Trust me, you will NOT regret that decision.

      Speaking from years of dealing with customer regrets.

      • Jackson on 05/05/2013 - 18:03

        Or since u have a HTC One X, just save your money and share its connection with the tablet.

        RE android tabs, you can't go too wrong, even the cheapest name brand ones these days are fine, eg the 1st Motorola zoom still performs admirably with the updates released for it. If u really want to tight a$$ it u could go for ainol

  • J6 on 30/04/2013 - 22:35

    What job do you do? just curious?

    • FabMan on 30/04/2013 - 23:59
      +1

      Control tower radio operator, planes whizzing about bores me.

      • zfa on 06/05/2013 - 08:53
        +2

        He's bored at work, wants an Android tablet to play 'Air Control' on…

  • DrStinge on 01/05/2013 - 07:48

    If you're looking for cheap thrills to hold you over why not the Nexus 7? :)

    • FabMan on 01/05/2013 - 08:44

      Problem is screen size, some PDF's do not allow the text to wrap so it has to be zoomed into a size where the text fits the width of the screen. The text can then be too small to read comfortably.

      • tyler.durden on 04/05/2013 - 05:56

        the reason why some don't wrap is cos they are scan images

  • anna10 on 01/05/2013 - 08:26

    First newby post thanks guys. I'm thinking of a mini Ipad as someone's buying me a present. No wifi @ home, but looking at main use for travelling o/s and local and I don't like carrying (bigger) things.

    Looking at Ramrunner's advice,"FAR better off getting WiFi only and grabbing a 3/4G hotspot device from your favourite provider". Would I be more or less good to go w' that? Cheers

    • ESEMCE on 01/05/2013 - 15:54
      +1

      I'm with Ramrunner..
      It's a better option overall.
      The extra benefit being that you can place the Wireless hotspot in a location with good signal, but uncomfortable seating and sit in the location with comfortable seating but poor signal to use your device.
      So you save money and get a better overall experience to boot!

      Of course the problem is that you have to carry 2 devices (or use your phone as the wireless hotspot!)

      • Jackson on 05/05/2013 - 18:08

        +1 for using your phone. save your money and rather than have a phone and separate data service add it to your current phone service.

  • FabMan on 01/05/2013 - 08:44

    Turned on this morning to see information on Nexus 11, it will have an SD slot…

    • ProspectiveDarkness on 03/05/2013 - 11:08
      +3

      I'd take that rumour with a bucket of salt if I were you.

  • FabMan on 01/05/2013 - 11:44

    After reading more, I will avoid Surface Pro until Haswell is used due to the much improved battery life and visuals. I know each year things improve and you can wait forever, but Haswell looks very impressive for low levels of power consumption.

  • anna10 on 01/05/2013 - 16:01

    scubacoles, my phone does not have wifi. So r u saying that I can't just get the ipad mini and run w' that, I have to also get something else. Apologies, I know it's lame to be so ignorant.

    • ESEMCE on 02/05/2013 - 11:27

      You'll need a phone that has WiFi.
      So you can either upgrade your phone to one that has WiFi and Hotspot capability or get a WiFi hotspot.

    • RockyRaccoon on 03/05/2013 - 09:06

      Keep in mind that the ipad mini with wifi/cellular, also has gps functionality which is not available in the wifi only version.

      So you can use maps etc

      Given your phone doesnt have wifi, I would also guess you dont have gps functionality as well

    • Jackson on 05/05/2013 - 18:11

      If your phone doesn't have WiFi you really need to at least buy the $39 huawei, this will change your life much more than having a tablet of any sort (sounds to me like u r still using a feature phone?)

  • anna10 on 02/05/2013 - 11:41

    Ok thanks for that info. I think I understand that if I get the ipad min w' wifi, I just go to a hot spot esp when o/s? Cheers

    • ESEMCE on 02/05/2013 - 12:15

      Yeah when overseas, you really just want to use the WiFi at your hotel, Maccas, cafe's or libraries etc

      • Jackson on 05/05/2013 - 18:15

        I disagree, when I was in Italy for a few days I spent 10 euro on a data service for my android phone, between Wikipedia and google maps it was the best 10 euro I spent on my 6 weeks away. Didn't have to buy a map or a travel guide

        also hotel WiFi can really slug u sometimes, or be really slow, or both

  • anna10 on 03/05/2013 - 07:25

    Great, that simplifies things, thanks for clarifying.

    • RockyRaccoon on 03/05/2013 - 09:11

      also FYI when there is wifi and cellular connections the ipad defaults to the wifi. But when travelling OS its smart to turn off the cellular (Mobile) from roaming if you have your local sim installed.

  • anna10 on 03/05/2013 - 10:53

    I was thinking that I would have NO sim just to be sure. It'll still work Ok for everything on wifi then right? Thanks guys

    • RockyRaccoon on 03/05/2013 - 19:05

      Yes you dont need the sim for the wifi and gps to operate. Only for internet when there is no hotspot.

      But the GPS only comes with the unit that is sim enabled, (called cellular enabled) so while you dont need the sim, for it to operate you wouldnt be able to browse maps unless you were internet connected, or you had an offline map program like tom tom.

  • Davros on 03/05/2013 - 11:02

    If you want cheapish 4G (sim slot) tablet
    WiFi
    12 hour battery life
    USB and HDMI
    expansion slot
    offline GPS (western and glonass satelites)
    1.5ghz dual core
    1gb of ram
    And WATERPROOF
    Check out these
    http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/forum-replies.cfm?t=2065540

    Unlock code on ebay was $2-00 and I can use any sim that I like, when overseas, sims and data are cheap depending on country of course

    I have no affiliation with this brand or sellers on ebay but am very impressed with the 1 then 2 others that I have

  • anna10 on 03/05/2013 - 11:09

    Thanks Davros, I'll look into this. Ok just read that and it's a bit high tech for me, even though I can 'see' that what is mentioned is gonna be much cheaper (esp seeing as I'm off to the US in 2 weeks).

    Simply put, if my mate buys me the ipad mini w' no sim, will it pretty much do what they're talking about in the excellent Whirlpool thread?

    • ESEMCE on 03/05/2013 - 11:42

      Definitely go with the iPad anna10..
      Sounds like you want something that will work without messing around with settings.
      Davros, like me, is someone who is comfortable playing with settings and therefore doesn't see the value of an iPad.

  • Davros on 03/05/2013 - 11:23

    No, which is why I never bought an iPad mini
    To expensive for not much tablet

  • FabMan on 03/05/2013 - 13:41

    Went for a Nexus 10 16GB, not too expensive though not cheap. I hope that it will get Android 5, if so will have a higher resale value. Also read you can root the device which voids warranty, but undo that action to allow for warranty.

    • ESEMCE on 03/05/2013 - 14:12
      +1

      It'll definitely get Android 5.

      • FabMan on 03/05/2013 - 14:50

        Great news, but how do you know?

        As previous Google products haven't always been updated for long. Take Nexus One, last OS update was 2.3.6. Nexus S stopped at 4.1.2, missing out on 4.2.2.

        Compared to iPhone 3GS which has has iOS 6.1.3 and iPhone 4 may get iOS 7. Unfortunately for Android fans like myself, Google and Android manufacturers don't support for as long as Apple.

        • bob_wangkar on 03/05/2013 - 16:16

          Battery management on android tablets are still horrendous. I'm sure you'll get android 5 which will help this as the nexus 10 is future proofed with a maliT604 and 2Gb ram. On that note, the battery life on nexus 10 wont last you a whole day.

        • Davros on 03/05/2013 - 16:39

          Well, like I said above, that android tab of mine gets a solid 12 hours out of it, better than apple and nexus.

          So I think your comment should be "Battery management on SOME android tablets are still horrendous"

        • bob_wangkar on 03/05/2013 - 17:30

          Interestingly it has a Snapdragon CPU. Probably has something to do with that, but you won't find that in any mainstream OR cheapie tablets.

        • FabMan on 03/05/2013 - 22:13

          Nexus 10 running a movie constantly lasts 8.4 hours, which I think is good enough. iPad 4 lasts longer at 13.1 hours, which is bloody great.

          In the Nexus favour, it's screen has much higher resolution pulling a greater amount of power. Extra pixels don't help though if you are trying to watch the 3 Lord of the Rings movies back to back without a charger though.

        • FabMan on 03/05/2013 - 22:14

          "but you won't find that in any mainstream OR cheapie tablets."

          So cheap devices don't work as well as the more expensive top of the line models? Cheers, got it.

        • bob_wangkar on 03/05/2013 - 23:08

          No no, I was referring to that specific Snapdragon CPU not being found elsewhere.
          Cheap tablets can perform on par if not better but tend to cut back on either battery or screen.

          In terms of the N10 running for almost 9hrs (quoted by Samsung) doesn't happen in real life. Had my friends and I ran a 720p video and dropped to 55% after 2 hours at 100% brightness. I should of tried it at 50% brightness though. And yes - generally a better screen needs more battery. Still a great gadget, but way out of my price range.

        • FabMan on 04/05/2013 - 00:43

          I saw some websites giving battery life estimates, but it appears the brightness makes a huge difference on this device. Bigger screen is making a big drain every % the brightness is increased. A shame, but these sites give good battery life, but hard to find brightness level on many websites out there.

          http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-19736_7-57545908-251/battery-li…

          http://www.anandtech.com/show/6425/google-nexus-4-and-nexus-…

          http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/nexus-10-benchmark-table…

          http://www.notebookcheck.net/Review-Google-Nexus-10-Tablet.8…

        • ESEMCE on 06/05/2013 - 12:55

          Android 5 is the next version due..
          No Nexus has ever missed out on the Android version to be subsequently released!

  • belongsinforums on 03/05/2013 - 22:56
    -4

    I got a tablet about a year ago because I thought I would use it too. Sits in a drawer like most other people's tablets. I use my Kindle DX quite often. Would recommend getting either a Kindle DX, Kindle Paperwhite, or Ultrabook instead. I use my Chromebook more often than my bulky laptop ;)

    • ProspectiveDarkness on 04/05/2013 - 00:41
      +3

      Sits in a drawer like most other people's tablets

      Seems fairly presumptuous of you. Everyone has different usage cases, and a Kindle / Ulrabook may not suit everyone; just as a tablet didn't suit you. I use my Nexus 7 every day.

    • Davros on 04/05/2013 - 07:21
      +2

      I use my tablet every day for several hours a day.
      I would have little to no use for a reader type device.

      • StewBalls on 05/05/2013 - 02:15
        -1

        I have both a SGT7.7 & Kindle, and use both quite regularly for very different purposes! :)

        • bob_wangkar on 05/05/2013 - 18:18
          +1

          E-ink porn on your Kindle. Marvellous.

        • CMI on 06/05/2013 - 14:12
          -1

          No one really cares, StewBalls.

        • StewBalls on 06/05/2013 - 16:05

          Well CMI, hate to break it to you pal but you evidently cared enough to comment…look, you're clearly butthurt over something I must've said to you in the past, build a bridge & get over it mate!

          Trollstalking me in multiple threads now for whatever it was is actually quite pathetic. :)

    • retiredfeline on 05/05/2013 - 10:46
      +1

      Tablets are great for surfing and I use my reader a lot too. But any real work or pretence at it requires a desktop. They all have their place.

    • francis.tks on 05/05/2013 - 10:50

      Sorry, I don't mean to be sarcastic, but what can the chromebook do? Is there lots of app? Been wondering who buys it…. Probably not enough marketing

    • Ramrunner on 06/05/2013 - 08:20
      +1

      BBzztt fail.

      Please do not make general assumptions like "Sits in a drawer like most other people's tablets". Everyone I know who has one actually uses it daily.

      If you've had a bad purchase and bought something you didn't use or know how to use, or from the sounds of it bought a tablet to read books on (wrong choice), please don't assume everybody jumped the boat.

      Tablets are awesome for people who want to pick something non-bulky up quickly, have it instantly on and ready, to look up things on Google, e-mail, or Facebook updates or a quick gaming session.

  • ethereal88 on 05/05/2013 - 06:59
    -2

    Switched completely to Apple, so Ipad 4 128GB for 850 for me. Android is just all over the place and its laughable there are no guarantees you'll get the latest OS. Thought about a laptop, then gave up, don't need one anymore.

    • Davros on 05/05/2013 - 08:28
      +6

      Some of us prefer to take control of their own equipment instead of being dictated to by the equipment and apple .

      As for being all over the place, never had an issue? What were you doing wrong?

      And as for the latest OS, just saw that if you want upgrades you PAY FOR IT like everything apple (HA HA)

    • tasty-falafel on 05/05/2013 - 17:03
      +8

      So can we officially call you one of the sheep now that you have your $850 dollar toy?

      http://www.ozbargain.com.au/comment/1213247?redirect=1

  • barghunt1 on 05/05/2013 - 09:37

    I would like to buy a tablet but I find the whole android vs apple debate quite confusing at times. I like android because its cheaper but not so sure about the openness of the systems and possible lack of updates. Whereas even though apple is more costly the benefits are that it is more secure so less chance of getting viruses and I can use iTunes vouchers where vouchers aren't available on the google store that I am aware of. Going through the pros and cons of each still doesn't make the decision easier.

    • FabMan on 05/05/2013 - 10:14
      +2

      I have an Android phone, so I kept with an Android product so I can use my apps on that again.

      Android being open is great in my opinion, it does bring the downside of malware and it does have a lack of updates.

      Apple just works, solid and reliable, my biggest problem with it is the how closed the ecosystem is.

      • cannedhams on 06/05/2013 - 14:23

        People keep talking of malware on android, but i have never encountered this myself, or known anyone else to whom it has happened. Frankly unless you spend your whole life browsing fringe porn sites its something that is unlikely to happen.

        • scrimshaw on 06/05/2013 - 14:39

          Frankly unless you spend your whole life browsing fringe porn sites its something that is unlikely to happen.

          That logic only works if you're talking about computers in general.

          For smartphones, it's usually applications that you download from otherwise unknown or untrusted sources that Google has no control over.

          Here are some places that I know of that supply pirated APKS laden with adware and malware (don't click them)
          htp://www.apkgiant.com/
          htp://www.droidchicken.com/
          htp://www.androidjetz.org/

    • Davros on 05/05/2013 - 23:39
      -1

      Apple more secure and less chance of viruses?
      Did you read that on an apple phanboy site?

      This in the news. Good enough for DOD, good enough for me.

      Samsung smartphones, tablets running Knox get U.S. Defense Department approval
      http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9238890/Samsung_smart…

      Yes, Apple Really Does Have A Serious Problem With Computer Viruses And Malware
      http://www.forbes.com/sites/timworstall/2013/02/20/yes-apple…

      Apple drops claim that 'Macs don't get viruses'
      Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/digital-life/consumer-security/apple-d…

      • RockyRaccoon on 06/05/2013 - 16:09

        Davros. Did you read the articles? I thank you for the links, but they are saying exactly what you are claiming they dont.

        They ares saying that Apple can get viruses, but while true, they are very limited. In fact these specific articles discuss the point that these "virii" are really trojans. That being they cant self install, they trick you into installing them.

        While all virii are problems, ones that self replicate and attach to files vs Trojans are much worse.

        And again we are talking a very few vs many.

        And claim was modified to say

        Built-in defences in OS X keep you safe from unknowingly downloading malicious software on your Mac.

        Unknowingly would be a more severe issue as with many PC viruses.

        • StewBalls on 06/05/2013 - 16:26

          …or you could just use Linux! :)

    • scrimshaw on 06/05/2013 - 01:11

      You also forgot the iPhone RickRoll worm in 2009
      http://www.pcworld.com/article/181697/article.html

      Security vulnerability with lockscreens also found in 6.1
      http://bgr.com/2013/02/14/iphone-security-vulnerability-ios-…

      And a lot more:
      http://www.cvedetails.com/vulnerability-list/vendor_id-49/pr…

      I think it's rather wrong to assume that just because OSX has less viruses than Windows, that the same rule applies to mobile phone OS's. The larger the market share / user base, the more susceptible it is to exploitation and hacks. In terms of smartphone OS's, iOS has a fairly large chunk, in comparison to desktop OSX.

      • RockyRaccoon on 06/05/2013 - 16:19

        Likewise Scrimshaw, lets not take a 4 year old Trojan add in a security flaw, which many OS's have had, and then are fixed, to equate to having constant issues with virii which attach themselves.

        The factor that many in the Android world love, the ability to get into the OS, does open the door to others to do the same. In the IOS world Jailbreaking opens the door further.

        For those knowledgable about computers/phones, then Android offers many opportunities to modify the system for the users benefit, and many who do are careful, but for those who are not into the OS, then a closed system has advantages.

        Just like our friend above who cant seem to enjoy their Tablet, its also a mistake to assume everyone wants to rootkit, or jailbreak their phones. And these are the ones who need protection from virii.

        Its probably safer to say Macs/IOS get as many virii without virus protection, as PC's with a good virus protection program. Limited but still possible.

        • Davros on 06/05/2013 - 17:31

          And yet in the several years that I have been using android product, I have never had an issue.
          How come?
          If I was to believe everything the apple phanboy would have me believe I should have been compromised daily, yet I have not.
          Strange.
          And now D.O.D appear to be going android, I wonder why?

        • RockyRaccoon on 07/05/2013 - 07:05

          Because you are careful, like many enthusiasts…

          and D.O.D is a read red Herring and frankly you know it.

          D.O.D approved Windows 95 so does that mean that win95 was safe from Virus??

          Given that you must call that "strange"!! LOL

          BTW Fanboys belong on all platforms…..

  • teyc on 05/05/2013 - 10:20

    Stick to an iPad for now. My 1st gen iPad performs better than my new Win8 laptop, has less issues (Win8 can't even start Windows Modern UI apps after multiple sleeps)

    • scrimshaw on 05/05/2013 - 10:41

      Your laptop either needs a fresh install of Windows, or it has driver problems.

      Windows 8 runs fine on my Lenovo E320, and my 2 work desktops.

      • StewBalls on 05/05/2013 - 11:13
        +4

        I'd be more inclined to suspect a loose nut on the keyboard! :p

      • teyc on 06/05/2013 - 11:32

        Mine runs fine, except whenever I want to run the occassional Metro app. Starting a process shouldn't be magic. This is a basic OS functionality.

        • StewBalls on 06/05/2013 - 16:31

          I hate Windows 8 myself teyc; but that fact notwithstanding, it's really not as bad as all that.

          As scrimshaw said, your machine clearly has some sort of significant issue that needs to be resolved before you can just claim that the OS itself is causing all of your woes.

  • francis.tks on 05/05/2013 - 10:47

    I would say that go for an iPad for studying and a kindle for (story)reading, they both cost lesser than a Surface Pro. I have an iPad, a kindle and a nexus 7. From your comments i can tell that you need a big screen for reading pdf, and I think iPad is better for the job. Also, iPad will have better note taking app such as notability if you do plan to do light note taking. Also, iPad have a very much reliable standby time compared to androids.

    The reason why I don't think surface is such a good idea, is
    1) the battery life is really crap, even though you will have a super power computer
    2) many complains about the scaling not done right (at full hd, fonts are too small)
    3)well you might just as well get an ultrabook.
    4) bottom line is they just fit in between tablet and laptop, but they are more towards laptop.

    Admittedly, I do hate how close the ios ecosystem is, its a pain in the ass but you can use things such as dropbox(still pain……)

    • francis.tks on 05/05/2013 - 10:48
      +1

      if you don't mind a smaller screen, the rumored nexus 7 (2), will be launching in a month or two. News makes it sounds really promising.

  • sane on 05/05/2013 - 11:28

    Make sure you actually know what your use cases are. In general once you understand that, you will understand what you need (and its generally not going to be surface).

    OK, comments.

    1) The surface pro is basically a laptop, so if you have those use cases just get a cheap little ultrabook type notebook or netbook instead.

    2) If you are looking to read fiction books then the question is where? If its in direct sunlight, etc. then something like a kindle is best/cheapest. If its inside then a 7" tablet is good (its about the same size as a paperback book). If you are reading technical PDFs then a big tablet with a high res screen is needed.

    3) If you are doing general browsing, playing games, etc. if you need it portable a 7" tablet is best, if its on the coffee table or in a bag, then a 10" can have some benefits, sometimes.

    In general the force of history is towards 7" tablets and Android. Intel may be able to muscle in with Haswell, but it's far from certain at the moment. Its a race between Intel cutting the real world power consumption, and ARM boosting the processing power to match demand.

    Given your stated needs, and your stated desire to eventually blow $1k on MS's attempt, my suggestion would be a cheap chinese retina class 10" tablet - something like the Cube U30GT2 at $260 (quad core, 2GB, 32GB storage, JB 4.2.2), and a bluetooth keyboard. That way you have spent only half as much as a Nexus 10, you get to pick and choose a keyboard to suit you.

    http://www.cheapnycnotebooks.net/WordPress/2013/04/05/cube-p…

    Oh, and if you were looking at a Nexus 10, wait till Google I/O and see if they announce the expected followup/respin with a quad/octo core chip and more memory.

    PS don't get one with 3G built in; tether when you have to. That way you can use 4G.

    • scrimshaw on 05/05/2013 - 12:00

      Also note there is a $244 Acer Quad core tab on the front page. No retina, but I suspect Tegra3 isn't powerful enough to run games on retina resolution anyway.

      • Davros on 06/05/2013 - 00:35

        "No Retina"
        Can the average eye really pick that much difference on a 7 to 10 inch screen at normal viewing distance?

        • cannedhams on 06/05/2013 - 14:27
          +1

          No, but then again the human ear cant tell the difference whether your sound system has solid gold connectors or not but there are plenty of tossers who will argue the merits of those as well.

          Same with 12 megapixel cameras. On a normal 4 x 6 print its hard to spot any difference beyond 2 megapixels.

  • epicaricacy on 06/05/2013 - 00:04

    asus transformer infinity with keyboard.
    - extra battery life
    - awesome screen, even outside in bright light
    - micro sd card slot
    - keyboard option allows use of usb, regular sd card
    - regular android updates
    and the number one reason.

    no itunes.

    • bob_wangkar on 06/05/2013 - 00:18

      TF300T is becoming discontinued. Better Wifi signal, longer battery life as well as the regular android updates with a big community. Most of all, 400-500 dollars cheaper than the TF700.
      I've seen the TF300T with keyboard dock for only $395 recently @computeralliance, but its gone up to $495 for some reason. Its going to be dirt cheap soon.

  • mangoman on 06/05/2013 - 07:20

    Just looking at it on the link, it seems to be running windows 8 which is a plus. So as mentioned previously its effectively a proper windows notebook.

    However, have you tried typing on the keyboard for a surface. They are on display at loads of places and its horrid. Not to mention the one i looked at the keyboard very unresponsive and appeared to be broken for some keys.
    I suspect its the same keyboard

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