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Tablets
cameron12x
Posts: 1,384 ✭✭✭
(Non-Coin Topic)
I've been taking a personal "crash course" on tablets the last couple of weeks.
Right now I'm on the fence whether to actually buy one, but I just can't see shelling out big money for a gadget which really doesn't replace my desktop, my laptop, my netbook, or my phone. (When they can do all four of those things then we'll really have a cool device!) Tablets are literally in a new niche all of their own. The main attraction to me is their relative portability, the ability to browse the Internet, and their rich media playback options (photos, videos, et al). I suppose the ability to show off pictures of one's coins might be one usage for tablets.
It will be interesting to see the post-Christmas sales which will likely happen for models which are being replaced with newer ones. And I don't believe the tablet market is even close to maturation yet, so I'd expect cheaper prices and even more functionality soon...
I've been taking a personal "crash course" on tablets the last couple of weeks.
Right now I'm on the fence whether to actually buy one, but I just can't see shelling out big money for a gadget which really doesn't replace my desktop, my laptop, my netbook, or my phone. (When they can do all four of those things then we'll really have a cool device!) Tablets are literally in a new niche all of their own. The main attraction to me is their relative portability, the ability to browse the Internet, and their rich media playback options (photos, videos, et al). I suppose the ability to show off pictures of one's coins might be one usage for tablets.
It will be interesting to see the post-Christmas sales which will likely happen for models which are being replaced with newer ones. And I don't believe the tablet market is even close to maturation yet, so I'd expect cheaper prices and even more functionality soon...
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exactly my thinking
.
i'm holding out for something better, a chimera
.
Coin photography applications potentially comes to mind.
iPad 2
<< <i>Apple is supposed to bring out an iPhone (or iPad) next year with an 8" screen. Will that confuse the issue even more? >>
When I started looking at the tablet market, 7" seemed on the small side, and 10" seemed on the heavy side.
So, a form-factor of 8" might just be perfect for me.
Virtual keyboards are still an issue (for me), however. I like the tactile response of a regular keyboard.
I'd like to see a device where a regular keyboard slides out from the screen, or vice-versa, where a screen slides out from a keyboard (much the way some Smartphones are today).
Yes, it's a confused market with a myriad of choices which overlap each other.
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<< <i>I just started using a Nook Tablet, I am quite fond of the 7" screen now. My wife uses a 10" Android based tablet and it's now her main thing. She can sit in her recliner and take care of emails, shopping etc. easier than with the laptop, she hardly every uses the computer in her sewing room now. I read a lot so the Nook seemed to work well for me, downloaded about 20 free books from B&N already, it also works very well for video and web surfing. >>
Do you have the original Nook "Color" or the newer Nook "Tablet?"
With the older Nook model you can have it boot from the SD card slot and have it run either the Nook operating system or Android 2.3 (aka "Gingerbread"). Pretty cool. I'm not sure if you can do it with the newer Nook.
Just out of curiosity, what do you typically use your Nook for?
You can add a keyboard (BT I believe) and it is really a full PC in there. Under $400 I think as well (haven't looked in a bit).
Light and you can do what you want with it. Since it is Windows, you need to be ready to use Windows but you do get full compatibility with everything on websites, etc.
Take it as just a tablet and use for full consumption. Add the keyboard and much better for creation then as well. "Creating" (emails/letters/spreadsheets/etc) on "just" tablets sucks, imho. Doesn't matter who makes it, just touch typing for creating of anything more than a quick sentence or 2 is no fun.
I use tablets when I travel, and have started to use the Samsung 11.6" Windows tablet they came out with, but it is a little bigger/heavier than many would like (and more expensive because of the screen as well). I leave the keyboard in the bag and watch movies, read, etc while on the plane. When I need to write emails (work while on vacation
Yes, my phone does "most" of this, and is lighter, but also a lot smaller. I like having larger screens when I can.
I've been told I tolerate fools poorly...that may explain things if I have a problem with you. Current ebay items - Nothing at the moment
I went with a cheaper 7 inch with Android 2.3 and a better screen than most cheap ones come with. Don't have a lot to say about it yet as it is wrapped up along with 2 identical ones for the kids for Christmas.
<< <i>iPad 2 >>
<< <i>Get an iPad. Everything else is basically a knockoff. >>
I'm looking at a Transformer Prime. It's better than the iPad 2 IMO. Laptop-dock, long battery life, quad-core processor....It's just awesome.
-Paul
<< <i>If you are looking for non-apple, there is a lot of good info here. Android Tablet Forum
I went with a cheaper 7 inch with Android 2.3 and a better screen than most cheap ones come with. Don't have a lot to say about it yet as it is wrapped up along with 2 identical ones for the kids for Christmas. >>
Thanks for the link!
Which vendor did you purchase from and which model?
Other than that, the best one so far is Asus Transformer Prime. Especially since you can attach a keyboard dock with it (official one). There's also the first generation but the 5 cores is awesome. Just came out today.
DO NOT GET ACER ICONIA 7 inch tablet. The battery life is horrible and at angles you can't see anything.
<< <i>Google just announced they plan to release the Nexus Tablet in 6 months. >>
Will this be a "game-changer?
If so, how? Thanks!
I have an iPad 2, purchased for me by my university. I think that Bochiman's comments are right on the money: My iPad is good for consumption but is lousy for creation. Yeah, I can do and do use it for my email (the email interface is semi-slick) each morning because I make it into my office. Each morning I check the weather on it. I keep my work calendar and my wife's doctor appointments on it. Looking at coins on the Heritage website is OK, in part because you can instantly resize the pictures. Of course, the quality goes away when you resize them, but it's still sort of fun. And I occasionally check various news sources on it. Unique to my situation, I check my Internet-based class on it. But that's it. I would never use it for creating something of any length or of any importance. Frankly, if I had spent my own money on it, I would have been most unhappy. Aside from going to a doctor's appointment and instantly placing a new appointment on my calendar, I much prefer my laptop because I can easily do serious work on it.
<< <i>cameron12x
I have an iPad 2, purchased for me by my university. I think that Bochiman's comments are right on the money: My iPad is good for consumption but is lousy for creation. Yeah, I can do and do use it for my email (the email interface is semi-slick) each morning because I make it into my office. Each morning I check the weather on it. I keep my work calendar and my wife's doctor appointments on it. Looking at coins on the Heritage website is OK, in part because you can instantly resize the pictures. Of course, the quality goes away when you resize them, but it's still sort of fun. And I occasionally check various news sources on it. Unique to my situation, I check my Internet-based class on it. But that's it. I would never use it for creating something of any length or of any importance. Frankly, if I had spent my own money on it, I would have been most unhappy. Aside from going to a doctor's appointment and instantly placing a new appointment on my calendar, I much prefer my laptop because I can easily do serious work on it. >>
As I mentioned in my original post, I'm on the fence as to whether I'll get one now or wait.
In the meantime, I hope the value proposition for them improves.
I'm sure the profit margins on these devices is astronomical; hence, the marketing push for them.
Let's see more posts about how people actually use their tablets and how these devices provide advantages over other devices (desktop, laptop, notebook, phone).
If you want the most versatile, most powerful tablet that will make iPad users cry when you show them what it can do that their iPad can't do, buy a Samsung Series 7 Slate.
The Samsung Series 7 Slate has the specs of a very good, full-fledged laptop... in a tablet form. The iPad is a cute toy.
<< <i>If you want a tablet that will impress ignorant people with its amazingly useful apple logo, get an iPad.
If you want the most versatile, most powerful tablet that will make iPad users cry when you show them what it can do that their iPad can't do, buy a Samsung Series 7 Slate.
The Samsung Series 7 Slate has the specs of a very good, full-fledged laptop... in a tablet form. The iPad is a cute toy. >>
What are the price differences and the product differentiators?
Windows 8 is coming next year with Windows 8 Tablets. While most people cringe on Windows as a tablet, the game changer is the Windows 8 is built for Tablet and ARM processor vs. Intel processor, which is a HUGE deal. Intel however, seems to be stepping up on the plate for better than ARM processing but we'll see if they succeed. And if Asus is one of the main partners, they did an awesome job with the Transformer Prime. Hopefully we'll see that level of mouse and keyboard sync usability which I bet we will when that comes out.
One of the main benefits of ARM processors is that it uses less battery consumption so it lasts longer. The current Windows 7 Slates as it stands, the battery is horrible. You are lucky it will last 4 hours if that.
If you absolutely need one, I would go with Asus Transformer Prime. If you can wait, wait for Microsoft to see what they are up to. If you ever read the reviews, most people who have a tablet always have to go back to LogMeIn or Splashtop to access their WINDOWS computer remotely. That might change though since Microsoft is giving iOS Microsoft Office, but I doubt it. Personally I want to see what they do with Adobe Photoshop, and there will be an Adobe full on Photoshop (not sure when) on Windows 8 Tablets.
<< <i>I would wait.
Windows 8 is coming next year with Windows 8 Tablets. While most people cringe on Windows as a tablet, the game changer is the Windows 8 is built for Tablet and ARM processor vs. Intel processor, which is a HUGE deal. Intel however, seems to be stepping up on the plate for better than ARM processing but we'll see if they succeed. And if Asus is one of the main partners, they did an awesome job with the Transformer Prime. Hopefully we'll see that level of mouse and keyboard sync usability which I bet we will when that comes out.
One of the main benefits of ARM processors is that it uses less battery consumption so it lasts longer. The current Windows 7 Slates as it stands, the battery is horrible. You are lucky it will last 4 hours if that.
If you absolutely need one, I would go with Asus Transformer Prime. If you can wait, wait for Microsoft to see what they are up to. If you ever read the reviews, most people who have a tablet always have to go back to LogMeIn or Splashtop to access their WINDOWS computer remotely. That might change though since Microsoft is giving iOS Microsoft Office, but I doubt it. Personally I want to see what they do with Adobe Photoshop, and there will be an Adobe full on Photoshop (not sure when) on Windows 8 Tablets. >>
I will likely wait on a larger (more expensive) 10" form-factor tablet.
In the meantime I may get a very basic 7" Nook Color and root it for Android v2.3 (aka "Gingerbread").
Can you tell us what the main differentiators are between the iPad, the current Asus Transformer Prime, and what you believe might be in store for next year's Asus models running Windows 8?
I realize that's asking a lot, but I'm just curious...
Really, the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 is one hell of a piece of hardware with Honeycomb 3.1 software that makes getting business done while on the road easy, fast, and reliable. I use it exclusively while at shows and don't have to worry about lugging around my laptop when I travel.
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<< <i>If you want a tablet that will impress ignorant people with its amazingly useful apple logo, get an iPad.
If you want the most versatile, most powerful tablet that will make iPad users cry when you show them what it can do that their iPad can't do, buy a Samsung Series 7 Slate.
The Samsung Series 7 Slate has the specs of a very good, full-fledged laptop... in a tablet form. The iPad is a cute toy. >>
Yes indeed a fancy little tiblet for 2 or 3 times what an ipad cost and it should do a lot more
but I just Love the apple logo
<< <i>If you want a tablet that will impress ignorant people with its amazingly useful apple logo, get an iPad.
If you want the most versatile, most powerful tablet that will make iPad users cry when you show them what it can do that their iPad can't do, buy a Samsung Series 7 Slate.
The Samsung Series 7 Slate has the specs of a very good, full-fledged laptop... in a tablet form. The iPad is a cute toy. >>
That's the one I was talking about actually. Btw, getting the dock for it makes it 1000% better....I love that dock. Small, portable, unobtrusive. Has audio jack, power plug, RJ-45 for wired networking if needed. Sets the tablet at an angle and is just overall nice.
I've been told I tolerate fools poorly...that may explain things if I have a problem with you. Current ebay items - Nothing at the moment
I can't speak much for other tablet options, but I will only say this - please don't listen to the Apple haters who probably have never used an iPad for any significant amount of time. They just don't know what they are missing - it is a fantastic device.
<< <i>10.1 Samsung Galaxy Tab. Hands down. Bought one this summer and it is incredible. Anything I can do on my desktop web-wise, emails, browse, ect., this thing does flawlessly. Even works Flash perfectly. Too bad Apple and Adobe can't come together about having Flash work on their devices. I played around with Ipads and other tablets but Ipads were just too dinky, dull, and restrictive regarding apps. The open-source android network of apps brings a larger base of ingenuity and growth in my opinion. I also considered the fact that Samsung manufactures many of the components found in the Ipad. Reminds me of the Dodge brothers upping Henry Ford in vehicle manufacturing. The Dodge brothers had the manufacturing plants that produced the parts that the Ford company simply assembled together. Henry Ford didn't want to change his model T and tried to cut out the Dodge brothers by starting their own parts manufacturing. The Dodge brothers knew the Model T inside and out, it's limitations, and the technology it needed to be improved, like not having to hand crank the engine on start. What resulted was a powerhouse of a company that beat out Henry Ford's because of his lack of insight into better product development.
Really, the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 is one hell of a piece of hardware with Honeycomb 3.1 software that makes getting business done while on the road easy, fast, and reliable. I use it exclusively while at shows and don't have to worry about lugging around my laptop when I travel. >>
this summer this was the only tablet that could really compete with the ipad 2.
it is very nice. i own one and like it.
I'm using it right now. I use it for browsing, eBay, bst, PP, email ect...ect... I bought a GPS type holder for it, so I can use it in my vehicle too (parked of course
I've had it for nearly 9 months, by far my favorite toy.
Which do you like better and why...
Anyway, what really sold me was the (hundreds of) apps that are available for my children. I have two young kids, and the educational apps that I have found (both free and for purchase) have been great in helping them read, learn math, learn spelling and learn music. For me, the streaming video apps are a home run. From Netflix, to PBS, to Sprout, to ESPN... we are always using the tablet. Imagine that!
<< <i>
<< <i>Get an iPad. Everything else is basically a knockoff. >>
I'm looking at a Transformer Prime. It's better than the iPad 2 IMO. Laptop-dock, long battery life, quad-core processor....It's just awesome.
-Paul >>
Transformer Prime is a new challenger. It will definitely take a bite off that market.
iPad 2 is a tested and true solution, though. I love mine.
For those complaining that tablets are good consumers of data and not so good in creating it -- I agree -- but that's an issue for ALL tablets and it's a function of the form factor, IMO.
<< <i>I use a ThinkPad Tablet. It runs Android. Could not be happier.
For those complaining that tablets are good consumers of data and not so good in creating it -- I agree -- but that's an issue for ALL tablets and it's a function of the form factor, IMO. >>
And that's my biggest concern.
That their ultimate utility and value proposition is limited. Perhaps tablets are slightly better than a good netbook on the consumption side, but not nearly as good as a netbook on the creation side?
One thing is certain. They are certainly being marketed. The profit margins must be huge for many of the vendors.
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iPad 2
Motorola Xoom
Amazon Kindle Fire
Comparison between:
Android
iOS
Amazon Android OS
Nook Android OS
First, if you know how to root a device, I would do that first (if you know what you are doing). It unlocks pretty much everything but also makes it easier to get hacked into.
iOS (iPad 2): Apple has all the apps and always usually gets it first. iOS does not lag much at all, but that's kind of expected since everything is just a square icon and no widgets etc. The update for Notifications etc., it's a good attempt but it in no way topples Android's version of Notifications. The thing I despise most about Apple is it's very closed. If it's not Apple, take the highway. The security is top notch though so it's hard to get a virus etc. (not saying can't, just saying harder to because of the sandbox ecosystem). Another reason why I hate Apple is all they do is sue and get stupid patents that shouldn't be granted to anyone and use it against everyone. For example, they were awarded the multi tasking patent while in a call. Yeah...patent system is broken. Microsoft and Nokia had this way before, and Android had true multitasking vs. iOS already (100% true multitasking is still Windows though). Anyways needless to say I despise their practices and restrictions but admire their smoothness and huge library of apps. Another reason why patent system is broken is Acacia owns the streaming video and photos online patent. Luckily they can't enforce it anymore, but that should be like the use apps while in call patent but it's not o.O
Android: Having widgets is like screaming I'm made for tablets. Widgets should be on every tablet hands down. BUT! Honeycomb OS is horrible-lag if too many widgets, transition lag, apps not completely built for tablet form but trying to be used as tablet form crashes them, etc. I played with Ice Cream Sandwich (rooted version) and it's a LOT smoother and makes a world of difference. You can install apps from all over, not just the Google marketplace, which btw, in turn makes it more easily vulnerable to virus etc. if you don't know what you are doing. Flash player built in is awesome and the browser is Chrome in tablet form, which already btw has built in encryption to protect you (although like I said, everything is breakable, it's just a question how easy is it to break through). Apps are behind Apple for sure. Can't really say anything about one single one, there is just too many options. You want full USB? Full HDMI? There's choices. However, DO NOT GET ACER 7. Viewing angle blows, battery life sucks.
Amazon Android OS: This OS immediately screams entertainment media device. You can't really USB connect it outwards which is annoying but for just entertainment this will work.
Nook Android OS: Don't get the older version, the touch screen isn't as responsive as the new, even with the updates.
In the end, it's all a matter of preference and what do you plan on using it for. IMO, they are all great devices. Apple because of huge library of apps, Android because of all the customizations you can do, Amazon and Nook mainly media entertainment.
Windows 8 is the wild card IMO. They have SOOOO much potential but Microsoft always botches it. I would jump to Microsoft anyday if they didn't botch their potential. Until then, Google is the way I go. Having a keyboard dock (not a keyboard apart from the iPad 2 that Apple has) where you can connect the tablet to it and close it is just awesome and more convenient.
<< <i>
<< <i>Apple is supposed to bring out an iPhone (or iPad) next year with an 8" screen. Will that confuse the issue even more? >>
When I started looking at the tablet market, 7" seemed on the small side, and 10" seemed on the heavy side.
So, a form-factor of 8" might just be perfect for me.
Virtual keyboards are still an issue (for me), however. I like the tactile response of a regular keyboard.
I'd like to see a device where a regular keyboard slides out from the screen, or vice-versa, where a screen slides out from a keyboard (much the way some Smartphones are today).
Yes, it's a confused market with a myriad of choices which overlap each other. >>
I bought an 8" tablet, an Archos 80 G9 with Android 3.2 Honeycomb. It has been a mixed experience, with a steep learning curve. I would not recommend it for a non-techie.
I bought it because the size was just right. It is about 30% bigger in terms of viewable screen area than 7" and 30% smaller than the 10" tablets. The 2012 Apple tablet is close at 7.85" but will almost certainly have a big price tag.
For those shopping on price, refurbished Ipad1s are an option to look at.
For those looking for a keyboard, the Asus Transformer has that option.
For the many deep pocketed forumites, the $199 Kindle Fire is close to an impulse purchase price point. For many, the time spent on the tablet will be more of a factor than price paid.
It is still a very fast moving market.
<< <i>They are too big to really be portable and too small for an everyday computer. They are a fad and will have a limited lifespan. >>
What you say regarding the form-factor is mostly true (it's somewhat subjective) but I believe the jury is still out for the Tablet platform itself. Will it have any lasting power?
It has been said that Tablets are good for "consumption" of information (e.g. reading books, browsing the Internet, et al) whereas other computing devices are better suited for "creation" of information (e.g. posting to the Internet, using productivity tools such as MS Office, et al).
Desktop-->Laptop-->Netbook-->Tablet.
I'm not sure if I've left an enabling technology layer out of the above hierarchy, but that seems to be the new "pecking order." There are obvious overlaps between each layer, but Tablets seem to be occupying a fast-growing niche all of their own. In fact, it's the fastest growing niche. Just check your local Best Buy store; it's my undertanding that they will no longer be selling Netbooks at their stores once the inventory has been depleted.
<< <i>I just do not need one.... neat though they are, they are just a techno-toy as far as my usage goes. My laptop does all I need. Cheers, RickO >>
<< <i>iPad 2 hands down. I used to be quite cynical about the iPad until I was given one. After six months with the device, my laptop and desktop are practically relics.
I can't speak much for other tablet options, but I will only say this - please don't listen to the Apple haters who probably have never used an iPad for any significant amount of time. They just don't know what they are missing - it is a fantastic device. >>
+1. The iPad is amazing.
I feel useless without mine and for me it is nowhere near just a toy like most people think. It has made a huge difference for me as I frequently travel and I am finding more and more that my laptop stays on the hotel desk and the iPad is attached to my hand 12 hours a day!
As to the profit margins, most analysts believe Amazon is selling the Kindle Fire at a loss, and Barnes & Noble at break even, just to get market share. The screen still costs significant money. Apple does make decent money, but they make that on everything they sell, always have, always will. Apple is also now the biggest, so gets the best prices from suppliers.
The government of India has a bare bones $35 Android tablet for their students. There are $100 consumer tablets from China already with the latest Android 4.0. Both use cheap lower quality screens as do many other off brand tablets offered in the U.S.
Some folks love their Ipads. However, I personally know two people that bought them and rarely use them, though that is probably true of a lot of gadgets though. Many more tablets will be bought this Christmas for gifts, and many will sit, barely used.
A positive for a 7" or 8" tablet is that a person can bring it to a coin show or the coin club, and use it and not stand out in the crowd. The tablet can hold images, want lists, and of course for those with 3G check any online prices. Sure a person can do similar with a laptop or netbook, but those are much bulkier especially vs. a 7" tablet. A person with a nice phone can also do similar, but a much larger screen can be useful, as is the capability of holding complex data such as spreadsheets (though entering data is not something I would want to do on a tablet).
Again for those on a budget refurbished Ipad1's are about the same price as many competitors. That said, that is just the entry price. On Android there is more free stuff than on Apple, and that will likely always hold true. For example, Apple has 5% share of the phone market and makes 50% of the profits in that industry. That profit comes from the customers. Though, again, for the many deep pocket forumites, the price is next to nothing. For the more frugal in the crowd there are other ways to go.
I would not hold my breath on Windows 8 tablets, if a person is at all budget oriented, because they are likely to be pricey because of the hardware requirements. By the time the Win8 tabs ship, tablets currently selling for $200 to $300 will be available as refurbs for half their current street pricing. Win8 tabs are likely to start above $500 and not move down as quickly. That said, having Windows means avoiding the learning curve for a new system, and file capability with PC files (not many tabs have that).
<< <i>
<< <i>iPad 2 hands down. I used to be quite cynical about the iPad until I was given one. After six months with the device, my laptop and desktop are practically relics.
I can't speak much for other tablet options, but I will only say this - please don't listen to the Apple haters who probably have never used an iPad for any significant amount of time. They just don't know what they are missing - it is a fantastic device. >>
+1. The iPad is amazing. >>
I too was given an iPad as a very generous gift. I wouldn't have purchased one prior to that and couldn't recognize their value.....
Since i already use Apple computers perhaps I've found more value in the device. What it's super cool for is viewing photos. I have a library of several thousand images and I can have them all at my finger tips now... Just amazing!!!!
It doesn't replace a laptop or desktop for graphics, typing long memos or reports, video and photo editing, etc....
Yet for day to day Ebay activities, email, web browsing- this thing ROCKS!!!!!
It's compact and much easier to haul around and for coin collecting, I've found it very useful..
There's a PCGS coin grading App that covers US coins and has full screen, excellent photos for ALL the coins!!!
It's EXCELLENT!!!!
i've also been using an App which helps to inventory my collection... iCoin$ HD... Though not perfect, i've found it very useful in logging my collenction, calculating it's value and compling want lists....
It's not just a fad in my opinion.... It would have died off by now if that was the case IMHO...
Posting from my iPad.....
Good luck in your decisions.....
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So I bought a Motorola Xoom for our family to play with after the holidays. I'll see what I think about it after Christmas morning. My thoughts are that for the same money you can get a new Dell laptop with 5x the power.
As for 4g connectivity, I would buy whatever I buy without it and then if I need 4g for traveling, buy a hotspot and then any device can run off of it.
--Jerry