Looking to buy a Tablet

staceyasinme on 07/06/2014 - 14:59

Hi all, I'm looking to finally give up my very old Netbook and move to a tablet.

I currently have a Samsung S4 and would prefer to go Android over Windows(i hate the look and feel of 8), but would love opinions on any and all tablets preferably under $500.

Main uses will be for using word, excel, internet, read books, recipes, as a digital photo frame, and watching movies.

I tend to use my phone for a lot of this stuff over the netbook because it's so slow OR my partners laptop but i want something portable. And when I'm really researching something that a bigger screen is better.

Thank you for any suggestions/advice!

Computing

Comments

  • scrimshaw on 07/06/2014 - 15:24
    +2

    Main uses will be for using word, excel, internet, read books, recipes, as a digital photo frame, and watching movies.

    While there are Android apps that can handle Word / Excel documents, the default Microsoft Office app is still the best from my experience. You can use apps like Kingsoft or Officesuit (my top favourites for office editing) but they still have their quirks, and sometimes they don't render documents accurately.

    My recommendation would be a Windows 8 tablet — e.g Surface RT gen1, Surface RT Gen 2, Surface Pro Gen 1
    or any of the ASUS tabs that pop on Ozbargain recently

    I know MS Office for Mobile exists for Android, but the app doesn't let you install it on any tablet — it's strictly for mobiles. Stupid, I know. Microsoft wants you to buy their Surface tabs if you're after Office 2013.

    • cpho on 08/06/2014 - 11:07
      +1

      RT is still fairly restrictive, and the Pro Gen 1 is very hard to find now.

      I'd recommend the T100. It usually sits around $450 when it pops up on Ozbargain. It runs pretty fast and the battery isn't bad. Plus it comes with (student or home?) office suite.

      Windows 8.1 is probably a better choice over Android because it's more versatile. Most older android tablets are laggy, and the newer ones are pretty pricey.

  • staceyasinme on 07/06/2014 - 15:29

    I read a news article today that says they're looking at releasing a tablet app but no time frame. Worth waiting you think? Particularly with what they say about office on Windows tablets?

    http://www.zdnet.com/microsoft-office-for-android-pushing-wi…

    • ozhunter on 07/06/2014 - 15:40

      nvm

    • scrimshaw on 07/06/2014 - 15:43
      +1

      ZDnet's ETA is 'probably next year' for the touch friendly version on Windows. If my assumption is right, they may release the Android version slightly later over the Windows version.

      If you hate W8, then my next recommendation would be a high res tablet like a Nexus 10 or an ASUS Memo FHD 10.1

      If you must have a mature, already developed version of touch office, then perhaps you might want to try an iPad?

  • staceyasinme on 07/06/2014 - 16:03

    I used to work in phones for 7 years and am generally anti-apple also. It may be a decider between the two evils. I'll look into the ones you suggested. Thanks heaps for your help!

  • Damonator84 on 08/06/2014 - 07:51
    +2

    Any windows tablet. With windows you can do everything. I've had a Surface Pro since Launch Day, it replaced my laptop. Surface Pro 2 is the better choice. Dell or Toshiba are under $500, realistically you should save your dish a little longer and get a surface Pro 2

    • kipps on 08/06/2014 - 17:19
      +1

      Agreed. I have Surface Pro 2. It is slightly heavier than an iPad and can do so much more, except it lacks 3G/4G.

  • sane on 08/06/2014 - 10:01
    +2

    I would tend to wait a month.

    Google Play Store have run out of Nexus 7s - a sure sign that something new is waiting in the wings for Google I/O at the end of the month. Rumour has it this is the Nexus 8. Although the rumours also say it's more expensive than the 7, I don't think they'll go too expensive. Nexus tablets are generally preferable over the other Android options, and needless to say the apple stuff is overpriced.

    The various free Android office clones are easily good enough for your likely usage (get a cheap bluetooth keyboard, $20), so avoid both MS's overpriced 'Surface' attempts, and MS Office (which they seem hell bent on screwing up). You don't need them (few do, which is why they don't sell).

    Screen size is a balance of portability vs eyesight. Provided your eyes work OK I'd avoid the big, heavy and more expensive tablets with the 10"+ screens - too difficult to carry around.

  • srhardy on 08/06/2014 - 15:59
    +1

    cash converters, I've seen gen 1 winRT tabs for $100 and thats a bargain for an awesome tablet - love mine and i have android and iPad but use the RT the most!

    +1 for the backlit kbd too

  • staceyasinme on 08/06/2014 - 18:16

    Is anyone keen on the Samsung tablets?

    • scrimshaw on 08/06/2014 - 18:28
      +1

      Only the Galaxy Note series is worth buying. Nothing innovative with their cheaper Galaxy Tab series, and you have to put up with sub-par resolution.

  • Wildberry on 08/06/2014 - 21:17

    i might move from my unit to a tablet

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