Advice on Windows Tablet to Replace Laptop

GordonR on 07/06/2023 - 11:25

A non-techy friend wants a device primarily for use as a tablet, but with occasional use as a Laptop using normal office software.

Based on this, I think that a Windows 11 tablet with separate keyboard and pen/stylus would be more useful than a 2-in-1 with a non-detachable keyboard.

My limited research leads me to believe that the gold standard along these lines is the Microsoft Surface Pro 9, but by the time you've added a bit more RAM, SSD and a keyboard, the price is heading rapidly towards $3k.

Is there an OzBargain approved alternative to the Surface Pro 9 at a somewhat lower price?

Computing Tablet

Comments

  • MS Paint on 07/06/2023 - 11:34
    +3

    Here I am thinking you've got bigger things to worry about mate but I got my Gordon's mixed up.

    Definitely not for everyone but the last 6 months I haven't used a windows laptop or MS products.
    I've been using a Chromebook (Lenovo ideapad duet 5) and the Google equivalent MS products and it's bloody awesome. I could stare at the OLED display all day long and if you're an android user a lot of apps from the play store can be loaded.

    • Shadowsfury on 07/06/2023 - 11:57

      I wish there was a smaller version of the duet 5.

    • dcep on 07/06/2023 - 12:05
      +1

      how many chrome tabs can it handles ?

      • MS Paint on 07/06/2023 - 12:07

        I have the 8gb version but have no idea. I would rarely have more than 5 or 6 open at any one time.

  • jv on 07/06/2023 - 12:26
    +3

    Is there an OzBargain approved alternative to the Surface Pro 9 at a somewhat lower price?

    Surface Pro 8

  • mbck on 07/06/2023 - 12:44

    Windows as a tablet….is very meh. I've the surface book 3. And I love the whole IDEA of being able to convert into a tablet, flip it around, extra battery, etc.

    However functionally, it is meh. Small icons, touch registration is slightly delayed. Android as a tablet (as long as you don't get the entry levels), would be a much better proposition tbh.

    But then again, you can't install exe files on an android/iOS tablets as well as Chromebooks.

    You can obviously use the app versions and if your use case is light, then tablets/Chromebooks would be the better option.

  • urahara on 07/06/2023 - 12:46
    -5

    My suggestion would have been to use a macbook with windows in it

    • eug on 07/06/2023 - 13:05
      +1

      How do you use a macbook primarily as a tablet?

      • brendanm on 07/06/2023 - 13:21
        +2

        Snap off the bottom half and add a touchscreen.

      • Mechz on 07/06/2023 - 13:22

        Not sure the touch bar counts as a touch screen.

  • Motek Benzona on 07/06/2023 - 13:14
    +2

    You dont need a 9. Get a high spec 7 or 8 at a decent price. I have a 7 pro I7 16gb and it gives me no reason whatsoever to upgrade. TBH I hardly ever use it in tablet mode.. but it's there if i want to

  • Jimothy Wongingtons on 07/06/2023 - 14:00
    +1

    I think that a Windows 11 tablet with separate keyboard and pen/stylus would be more useful than a 2-in-1 with a non-detachable keyboard.

    I thought this too but surface laptop 3/4 has actually been pretty sweet for work.

    I use an ipad pro with magic keyboard personally at home though.

    • Gaz1 on 07/06/2023 - 14:02

      I wonder how many times the surface pro type covers actually get detached?

      • Jimothy Wongingtons on 07/06/2023 - 14:12

        I used a pro 3 for about 4 years and probably detached it 3-4 times maybe.

  • Nillionaire on 07/06/2023 - 14:13

    Would iPad with a keyboard work?

  • iridiumstem on 07/06/2023 - 22:08

    I get by with Android tablet, but that's more because 95% of my usage is notetaking using s-pen. Please bear in mind that I actually am one of those insane people who have two android tablets, one for work and one for watching videos at home and found it extremely useful for his work flow. I might be getting more out of Android tablets than what other people might be just because of how niche my usage case is.

    Only time I need to access MS office apps when my work laptop is possessed by demons (otherwise known as remote IT supports, who I find to be shockingly slow for even simplest things). I only do basic typing with the bluetooth keyboard.

    I would not do anything more than typing up things for me to fix up later, even then I found few cases where it was shockingly difficult to use (things refreshing in the background, formatting going terrible etc). That said, it's really good for taking down notes and doing things on the go (especially given how terrible Windows can be with sleep mode)

  • ihfree on 08/06/2023 - 19:05
    +1

    I'd consider two devices as a single device is a compromise, imo. I've used windows on a few low end tablet devices and wouldn't be happy with it as a tablet.

    Laptop + an iPad/Android tablet would be the way to go, IMO. There are lots of options including refurbs for laptops.

    • GordonR on 08/06/2023 - 19:51

      That’s what I would do also.

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