Best Tablet for under $600

LSchmatt on 26/08/2020 - 10:10

So we are looking for a multi purpose tablet that the kids can use for development apps like drawing, education, occasional games as well as being used by the parents for multimedia, non kids games and general use.

Platform doesn't necessarily matter although we lean towards android.

$600 budget is not necessarily strict if there is something amazing for a little bit more.

Keen to stick to brands that we can source locally, ie, not have to wait 6 weeks for delivery.

What are people's experience/recommendations?

Electrical & Electronics

Comments

  • Caped Baldy on 26/08/2020 - 10:20
    +7

    Even as an android fan, I'd still recommend an ipad. There's a lot more support from apple than google and there's more developers and apps for the ipad.
    Stylus support is pretty limited on android tablets unless you want to get one of the Samsung tablets.

    Edit: Just want to add if they are older than 10ish, they should learn how to use a proper computer. Otherwise they may be stunted techwise.

    • ESEMCE on 26/08/2020 - 12:48
      +2

      Yep, just bought our first iPad earlier this year for this same reason.
      iPad has better hardware and longer support for the same/similar price as a high end Samsung Tablet.
      (iOS will likely be annoying to you - it certainly is to me)

      Android Tablets are dead, the only reason to buy one is if you're strictly liming the budget to less than $200 and have expectations commensurate to the price. Once your budget pops above $300, iPad is the only logical choice.

      • Chandler on 26/08/2020 - 13:06

        (iOS will likely be annoying to you - it certainly is to me)

        So you're excited about the looming Mac ARM transition?

      • Caped Baldy on 26/08/2020 - 13:34

        Agree 100%. That said, I do actually have a lenovo tablet for browsing reddit and manga (tachiyomi) in bed.

      • Franc-T on 01/09/2020 - 19:26
        +1

        Im not sure why you say Android Tablets are dead, I use mine heaps. Though there isnt that much in mid range you get expensive as or cheap shit and nothing much in between.

        • ESEMCE on 08/09/2020 - 09:03

          Google have moved on to ChromeOS Tablets (and even they are pretty dead), so it's only no-name brands and Lenovo making cheapo Android tablets and Samsung making High End Android tablets (and the Tab A which is a mid range price, but upper-low range specced Android tablet.

          In the Low end space, they're really only media consumption devices, at the high end, iPad is simply better value IMHO. You get better hardware and far better software support for the same or similar money.

  • Presence on 26/08/2020 - 10:43
    +1

    Potentially the new Lenovo Duet Chromebook? It's well priced if you need a keyboard.

    Otherwise Samsung is just about the only other option in Australia that isn't super cheap rubbish.

  • miss arrow on 26/08/2020 - 10:50

    I'd go an iPad if it's for kids. How old are they?

  • Schmatt on 26/08/2020 - 13:59

    Thanks all for the suggestions! Kids are turning 3 and 5 so probably not quite the laptop stage yet.

    I guess I'll somewhat reluctantly look at Apple then haha.

    Edit: can you go wrong with Apple or its more or less, you get what you pay for?

    • SlowCarSlow on 26/08/2020 - 14:21
      +2

      The iPad's themselves are all good. Things to consider are:

      At your $600 price limit you have 2 choices. The iPad (with a 10.2 inch screen) and the iPad Mini (with a 7.9 inch screen). All the prices I list are RRP.
      The iPad is $529 and has the bigger screen but comes with only 32 GB of internal storage. A smart cover is an additional $79.
      The iPad Mini is $599 has a smaller screen but comes with 64 GB of internal storage. A smart cover is an additional $65.

      I mention the smart cover costs as they are in my experience handy to have as they prevent worrying about scratches when left in a bag, or put down on a table or anything. There will be much cheaper options online, or more protective offerings as well.

      Applecare which reduces costs of damage to the device is $99 for each device. This is something you will have to research more to see if it's worthwhile for you and your family's usage.

      Apple also offer the Apple Pencil as something you can buy, but at ages 3 and 5 that's not something to worry about.

      Personal opinion as an adult: The bigger screen on the iPad is great, video watching is better. But holding an iPad mini is going to be much easier for kids, or even just holding with one hand.

      • Schmatt on 26/08/2020 - 17:04

        Fantastic info, thank you!

  • DannyC on 26/08/2020 - 15:02

    Perhaps look into the Samsung Tab S6 Lite? It is within budget and comes with the S-Pen. I would get the smart case with it after that stylus is gonna go missing pretty fast.

    But as a lot of others have said, Apple iPads are the best tablet available on the market… Most cheap android tablets are rubbish. Samsung is prob your best bet if Android is something you are considering.

    • Schmatt on 26/08/2020 - 17:05

      Thanks for that, looks like it's Samsung v Apple!

  • Mad Max on 26/08/2020 - 23:19

    Galaxy Tab S6 would be a good option if only it was still available anywhere. I think the S7 has been lauched already but not available in store yet as far as I know.
    Both over $600 though.

  • FrugalFranky on 02/09/2020 - 13:48

    Ipads are the best tablets hands down. Android for tablets are very messy.
    Get the latest model you can afford

    • Whisper Quiet on 21/09/2020 - 11:00

      I guess you've never used the Galaxy S range. In Australia there's no market for tablets. All over the world Android has much more pull and compatible software for games, apps and features. Much easier to hack and install free software, where on Apple it's harder to get it free and you pay what Apple tells you. Android is open source so there's no limits or money needed to get what you want. If you want everything simple and laid out for you with limited capabilities get Apple. Android is better for people who like to get into tech and customise everything exactly how they want. For OP there's no way he should be spending that much on toddler's tablet. Probably break in a couple weeks.

      • ESEMCE on 22/09/2020 - 11:25

        Galaxy Tab S range is just as expensive (or more) as an iPad.
        To go cheaper, you need to drop back to the Tab A range which is a massive step down in hardware, for only a fairly marginal saving.

        Yes iOS is locked down hard and a PITA to use, but Price to Performance, iPad is actually better than Samsung.

        • Whisper Quiet on 22/09/2020 - 18:34

          Something like the S4 had specials for remaining stock for under $500. Which is almost identical to S6, plus it even has a larger battery than the new one. Their tablets tend to go for bigger sales drops in price after time compared to Apple which remains at a higher price point.

          • ESEMCE on 23/09/2020 - 09:53

            @Whisper Quiet: iPad is $500 (RRP)…. you're kinda proving my point.
            Samsung devices are underpowered for their pricepoint. Especially with the new iPad just announced. iPad was already faster, now jumped further ahead.

            • Whisper Quiet on 23/09/2020 - 17:53

              @ESEMCE: That's for the WiFi only model and 32gb. But anything that suits your argument right?

  • Schmatt on 18/09/2020 - 13:15
    +1

    Thanks again for everyone commenting, just as an FYI, I went with the 8th gen iPad. It seemed easier and fit within budget with a smart case.

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