Tablet for overseas travel

spacebanana on 24/06/2015 - 11:43

Hi guys!
I am going on holidays to Europe in the next few weeks and I am starting to think maybe I should get a tablet for my travels.
I am firstly not really sold on needing one for travel but it could be pretty nice, especially as I have a 10 hour layover in Mumbai.

I am leaning towards a Tab 4 or potentially a second hand Surface 2, Both are around the 250 dollar mark
Which would you guys recommend?

I was thinking about a unisurf 8 inch but it seems like that might not even be enough to do basic task and consume media.

I will mainly be using it to consume media and maybe some emails/ admin when I am back home.

Both have similar spec although a second hand surface comes with a keyboard and case and some other goodies
I like the idea of the surface but now it is a older model im afraid the reviews are a bit out of date

Can a surface run normal windows applications?

I suppose it is worth mentioning im taking an Galaxy S5 too

All comments appreciated :)

Find Me A Bargain

Comments

  • Davros on 24/06/2015 - 11:46

    My suggestions are to get one with :
    A micro HDMI port so you can easily plug it into a TV for movies etc
    One with GPS/offline map capability
    Preferably USB OTG capabile

  • iridiumstem on 24/06/2015 - 13:22

    Surface 1 and 2 cannot run normal windows application (as they are running Windows RT).
    If it is something like what you've said, RT might work for you, but RT has really limited apps.
    Besides with Surface 3 coming out with normal Windows, I think the whole RT is ditched by MS.

    I personally recommend something like Memo Pad 7 or 8 that I've posted on Ozbargain if you are looking for an Android tablet, on the basis that it's almost as good as some of the flagship tablets available and it's in budget range. You could grab a bluetooth keyboard for writing mails.

    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/199343

    If you are thinking about getting a Windows tablet, hmmm, I have mixed feelings about recommending them. While they can be the happy median of an ARM tablet (Android, iOS, Windows RT tablets) and laptops, they still have flaws. Windows handle high resolution alright with the high DPI options, but a lot of programs still don't support it (you need mouse for them as it's hard to click anything on them). You end up relying on desktop programs which run best with a mouse and a keyboard, as the metro apps are still lacking.

    Anyways, many people recommend ASUS t100, but I personally liked HP Pavillion X2 when I tried them out in store. I've seen few deals on both on Ozbargain and since we might have 20% off eBay deal coming up, they might fall within your budget.

    Also, if you get a tablet, grab a Xiaomi external battery so that you can charge your devices while traveling.

  • scrimshaw on 24/06/2015 - 14:35

    If you don't mind it being small, a 7 inch Samsung Tab3 is now selling at $99 posted
    http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/SAMSUNG-GALAXY-TAB-3-7-LITE-WIFI-…

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