Windows Tablet under $500 (MS Office)

Ti-au on 06/04/2021 - 19:55

gday,

Looking at getting a windows tablet (or 2-in-1), as I need to use MS Word as natural as a PC. Tried an android and wasn't the same.
All I'm doing is a bit of office and email work, with the occasional youtube video. Usually have multiple browser tabs open.
Like to do a bit of work in a cafe - so a bit wary of 13.3inch laptop, too big?.

Any suggestions?

TBH I am kind of disappointed, it seems that nearly every laptop is $1,000 or so these days.
It seems the cheap Chinese tablets/laptops are still showing z3850/N4100 for ridiculous prices.
Perhaps 2nd hand is the way? Surface 4 (or surface 3 Pro).

Computing Tablet

Comments

  • Kangal on 06/04/2021 - 20:19
    +1

    Can you get a used one?
    Something like the Lenovo Yoga line, so that it is a competent laptop primarily… but has a fold-down touchscreen to become an oversized tablet as secondary.

    • Ti-au on 06/04/2021 - 20:35

      I got a lenovo yoga 14 - found the size impractical to be honest. Too big to be that portable, too small to be productive (i.e running multiple windows next to one another), hence my worry with a 13.3.

      IdeaPad Flex 3 (11") looks interesting and in the right price range.
      Older and the yoga 12 - but 2017 = 4 years old.

      • Kangal on 06/04/2021 - 22:08
        +1

        I think you're going to save yourself a world of frustration, if you just get the best tool for the job, rather than getting a "jack of all trades". It's why you see seasoned tradies with expensive, high-quality tools for every specific job… rather than cheaper multi-tools. Just too many compromises.

        For that reason, I just don't see tablets with Windows mixing too well. Neither does AndroidOS to be honest. Apple with iOS/iPadOS seems to be the best tool for the job = being a tablet.

        So maybe look into if you can use the spreadsheet/application of desire with an iPad. And if not, I would give a second serious consideration of just using a laptop.

  • Mechz on 06/04/2021 - 20:20
    +1

    SP3 would be perfect if they weren't so old now. I have one that was working good then it just stopped turning on. A few months later it came good again long enough for me to wipe it and then it died again. Freezer trick doesn't work.

    Maybe try getting a used Surface Book.

    • Ti-au on 06/04/2021 - 20:36

      Yeah a bit worried about the remaining battery life as well. Really surprised tablet maker is not churning out a Surface copy that's reasonably priced tbh.

  • CptnObvious on 06/04/2021 - 21:10
    +1

    MS Surface Go lowest spec (4425Y/4GB/64GB) is about $600 retail. You will be able run MS office well over it.
    I would still recommend a 2nd hand surface pro though with better specs, but you have to take care in the purchase.

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