View Full Version : Needing a 10" tablet..Suggestions?
Other than the iPad I, (iPad 2 is priced for the insane with $$$, :p)
What Android Tablets are good brands to consider....
Uses, in liu of a Laptop I can bring to a coffee shop to surf the net. That is my main usage....512 RAM, Android 2.0+, 8 or 16 gig flash HD......Accesses the "True Android Market"
My budget...up to $400.00
I am looking brand name and model #'s so I can check them out..
After having a play with a few android tabs including the new toshiba one, I'd get an ipad 1. Android has a long way to go with it's tablet experience. IMO.
sdotkling
09-14-2011, 17:49
Bet you have some uber-nice German lenses, right? You didn't skimp on those. Go for the iPad. The pleasure you get from using it will far outshine the momentary pain of paying for it.
I have an Asus see pad and it is amazing other than the crack across the screen on the rightmost side that my dog put it in after she jumped off the couch when I caught her on it and then dropped my tablet on to the floor.
The See pad is the best screen on the market, it has neutral colors and a sharp display.
f16sunshine
09-14-2011, 17:53
I would second Gavin. 2months ago I was looking for a refurb iPad 1 at the mac online store. Full warranty for $350. Unless it's a holy war thing, why not get the mac. It's head and shulders above anything else.
I was lucky, and I got an Ipad2 at work. It is very nice.
monochromejrnl
09-14-2011, 18:04
Motorola Xoom
benmacphoto
09-14-2011, 18:06
The Samsung Galaxy Tab is great.
I'd say the best competitor to the Apple, but price is the same.
back alley
09-14-2011, 18:10
the competition isn't much cheaper than the ipad.
Yes, The iPad 1 is in my budget, If I sell my 400mm f/5.5 Piesker West German lens (Early M42 Version, 1950's), I just had CLA'd, If not, I have $200.00 for a tablet..that's why I asked about an alternative.. It is for web surfing mainly, so, it doesn't need to the top end, but, a quality build at least... So many ebay no names.... I figured you guys might have a better perspective..
Yes, The iPad 1 is in my budget, If I sell my 400mm f/5.5 Piesker West German lens (Early M42 Version, 1950's), I just had CLA'd, If not, I have $200.00 for a tablet..that's why I asked about an alternative.. It is for web surfing mainly, so, it doesn't need to the top end, but, a quality build at least... So many ebay no names.... I figured you guys might have a better perspective..
The thing is that all the worthy android tablets are actually more expensive than an ipad 2 - and even then it's debatable wether they're even as good as the ipad 2...
The ipad 1 for $350ish won't be beaten in terms of quality and user interface, not by a long shot. The two other tablets i'd consider would be the galaxy tab and the asus eee tab.
Thomas-Paris
09-15-2011, 00:15
The thing is that all the worthy android tablets are actually more expensive than an ipad 2 - and even then it's debatable wether they're even as good as the ipad 2...
The ipad 1 for $350ish won't be beaten in terms of quality and user interface, not by a long shot. The two other tablets i'd consider would be the galaxy tab and the asus eee tab.
I got a chance to play with the Samsung Galaxy Tab a little, and it's not in the same league as the iPad 1, in terms of the experience browsing the web. Pretty shocking that they can't get the price below Apple's, but I guess Apple has some serious economies of scale right now.
To the OP: if I were in your position, I'd wait and see what Amazon comes out with. There was a hands-on review of the prerelease model, and it sounds like it would be a perfect fit for you (including the price). But it won't be out until next year.
If you can't wait until then, get an iPad 1.
shimokita
09-15-2011, 00:30
picked up a Galaxy Tab... the local (Japan) carrier had a deal where you could replace your mobile phone and get a Galaxy Tab for no cash and pay a monthy for the Tab communication.
So we turned off the internet function on the mobile (saved some money there) and disabled the 3G on the Tab (so no telecom communication costs, only wi-fi on the Tab). The running costs are about plus/minus zero plus we got a new Tab and a new mobile phone....
We can enable the phone function on the Tab anytime (just a menu selection) so what's to loose...
Casey
Gabriel M.A.
09-15-2011, 03:36
Other than the iPad I, (iPad 2 is priced for the insane with $$$, :p)
(...)
My budget...up to $400.00
I am looking brand name and model #'s so I can check them out..
Some of us have actually read your OP, and I agree with the following:
I have an Asus see pad and it is amazing (...)
The See pad is the best screen on the market, it has neutral colors and a sharp display.
I have the ASUS See Pad (aka "Transformer") which has a port for a Micro SD card; you have the option of a dock (which has a keyboard, touchpad, two USB 2.0 ports and a SD card port).
I love it. You can customize it on the fly, unlike the iPad. Also, unlike the iPad, as evident by what I just typed above, you can add more memory (I have a 32GB microSD card); the entry-level See Pad has 16GB memory, and the CPU is 1 GHZ duo-core.
A bit heavier and a bit thicker than the iPad, but all the other ones are either bulkier or slower. Outside of the iPad2, the ASUS Transformer is a super great alternative. It is very snappy and just as responsive as the iPad2. Other (for the speed-readers: not meaning all) Android alternatives were very jittery.
One little word of caution, though: the bundled Gallery app has no means of sorting your photos alphabetically, in any order. But you can get either (or both, which is what I did) of the following free and robust alternatives: Quickpic and JustPicture. The bundled Gallery app is kind of an issue for the sole lack of Sort options alone, but outside of that it is so simple to use, any doob can use it. I'm sure that not too long from now they'll fix that little detail (I think it's so little that's why they missed it during launch of Honeycomb --the name for Android 3.x)
Pickett Wilson
09-15-2011, 03:41
I went with the Ipad 2 because it just works, lots of apps, etc. I like adventure with security, I guess. The Ipad is expensive, but the device works as advertised.
I must say, that whilst I would not buy an iPad as I disagree with Apple's restrictions on software developers, it probably is the best tablet. I think the Android experience is lacking by comparison, except if you use GMail, where Android's email experience I think is quite a lot better than the iPad.
Also, if you need a lot of storage, again Android is better, as you can get models with SD storage.
However, as an all round device, and as much as it pains me to say it, the iPad is probably the better all rounder.
I did like my Eee Pad Transformer though, and it's fast and powerful, although I've now switched to a Chromebook.
So for me, Android wins on email and storage, iPad on just about everything else.
I must say, that whilst I would not buy an iPad as I disagree with Apple's restrictions on software developers, it probably is the best tablet. I think the Android experience is lacking by comparison, except if you use GMail, where Android's email experience I think is quite a lot better than the iPad.
Also, if you need a lot of storage, again Android is better, as you can get models with SD storage.
However, as an all round device, and as much as it pains me to say it, the iPad is probably the better all rounder.
I did like my Eee Pad Transformer though, and it's fast and powerful, although I've now switched to a Chromebook.
So for me, Android wins on email and storage, iPad on just about everything else.
Think about this very carefully. It takes a lot for anti-apple guys (no offence thegman) to admit that an apple product is the best.
Gabriel M.A.
09-15-2011, 04:43
I agree, the iPad2 is far better overall in experience and design. Which is why they can charge what they charge for it.
But for a $400 budget, if you need something almost as good, the ASUS Transformer.
If budget were not an issue, well, I'd get four iPads, one for home, one for carrying with me, another for my other half, and the other "just in case" ;)
Think about this very carefully. It takes a lot for anti-apple guys (no offence thegman) to admit that an apple product is the best.
I'm not anti-Apple as such, I use a Mac at home, but as a software developer by trade, their attitude gives me the heebie jeebies. No offence taken.
My biggest issue with either iPad is the 256mb ram.... REALLY?.... my phone has 512mb and Android OS uses about 1/2-3/4 just to run.... The iPads MUST bog down a lot. but, no user would admit it. Or would they.(the EULA must state you can't complain about any poor design flaw or you will void your warranty :p) ... 16gb of HD and a 1ghz means "0" if the ram is barely enough to run on.
Also, I probably will get an iPad 1 only because I can get all the apps for kids with Autism from his school via their Teachers license. But, the amount of Ram bothers me as far as being a minimal requirement to run it, and doesn't really leave much room, if any for multi tasking. Unless is has a Virtual Ram Drive on the HD?
I will look into the ASUS Transformer. And Galaxy Tab,
My biggest issue with either iPad is the 256mb ram.... REALLY?.... my phone has 512mb and Android OS uses about 1/2-3/4 just to run.... The iPads MUST bog down a lot. but, no user would admit it. Or would they.(the EULA must state you can't complain about any poor design flaw or you will void your warranty :p) ... 16gb of HD and a 1ghz means "0" if the ram is barely enough to run on.
Also, I probably will get an iPad 1 only because I can get all the apps for kids with Autism from his school via their Teachers license. But, the amount of Ram bothers me as far as being a minimal requirement to run it, and doesn't really leave much room, if any for multi tasking. Unless is has a Virtual Ram Drive on the HD?
I will look into the ASUS Transformer. And Galaxy Tab,
Don't worry about the specs - both ipads run perfectly with everything including pretty graphics intense games - which would be the most testing thing I can think of for a tablet. The androids are the laggy ones, regardless of how much the specs are better than the apple tablets imo. It's all in the OS - iOS is very refined, android isn't. ipads are the least laggy (eg - they have no lag) of all the tablets.
If you look at technology like this I wander what you are messing with a rangefinder or for Peet sake even film http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/images/smilies/eek.gif
My biggest issue with either iPad is the 256mb ram.... REALLY?.... my phone has 512mb and Android OS uses about 1/2-3/4 just to run.... The iPads MUST bog down a lot. but, no user would admit it. Or would they.(the EULA must state you can't complain about any poor design flaw or you will void your warranty :p) ... 16gb of HD and a 1ghz means "0" if the ram is barely enough to run on.
Also, I probably will get an iPad 1 only because I can get all the apps for kids with Autism from his school via their Teachers license. But, the amount of Ram bothers me as far as being a minimal requirement to run it, and doesn't really leave much room, if any for multi tasking. Unless is has a Virtual Ram Drive on the HD?
I will look into the ASUS Transformer. And Galaxy Tab,
If you look at technology like this I wander what you are messing with a rangefinder or for Peet sake even film http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/images/smilies/eek.gif
Oh, But I use a Contax G1 AF/RF... very high tech compared to Leica, Voigtlander, Nikon or even Zeiss Icon film RF's :D
My biggest issue with either iPad is the 256mb ram.... REALLY?.... my phone has 512mb and Android OS uses about 1/2-3/4 just to run.... The iPads MUST bog down a lot. but, no user would admit it. Or would they.(the EULA must state you can't complain about any poor design flaw or you will void your warranty :p) ... 16gb of HD and a 1ghz means "0" if the ram is barely enough to run on.
Also, I probably will get an iPad 1 only because I can get all the apps for kids with Autism from his school via their Teachers license. But, the amount of Ram bothers me as far as being a minimal requirement to run it, and doesn't really leave much room, if any for multi tasking. Unless is has a Virtual Ram Drive on the HD?
I will look into the ASUS Transformer. And Galaxy Tab,
Absolutely don't worry about the spec, a Playstation 3 has 256MB of RAM too, with less than that available to the programmer, it'll only bog down if other programs have share the memory, and the computer needs to swap out to disk storage. Neither the PS3 or iPad have this problem.
If I were you, I'd get a used iPad 1, probably the best value in tablets at the moment.
If you want an iPad you have to buy an iPad. DUH!
There are no "alternatives." There are however tablet computers. I thought we had long ago covered this with the Leica M9. If you want an M9 you have to buy one, there are of course other cameras, but none of them are an M9.
Of course if you don't want an iPad, you can certainly spend money elsewhere on something else, a bicycle, and down payment on a car, or even some kind of tablet from Samsung. But make no mistake, know why you buy what you buy, few do. I do not own an M9, frankly because as I have aged I like auto-focus [so shoot me].
It's not the OS I want to buy, But looking at alternatives... There are alternatives in Tablets... The iOS is ONE OS, but not the only one out there... And, I don't buy "BRAND" for Brand sake... If it does not fit my need. Now, Fanboys buy "Brand" for Brand sake... I Buy for utility, but, I want brands with good reputations (no Crap)... Apple has a good one, so does Motorola, Samsung, LG with Tablets..But, Apple is not the only Tablet on the market (except to Fanboys).
Maybe the "Word" Alternatives" threw you... I meant "Options" in Computer Tablets, of which the iPad is one "Option" in a "Computer Tablet".
Motorola Xoom
I agree.. This is a very good alternative//
<---suckered--->
Explain....
cosmonaut
09-15-2011, 17:57
I have a Toshiba Thrive as for surrfing the web Ill put it up against anything. I also have an Ipad2, I have an Ipad first generation in the WTT classifieds here at RFF.
I have a Toshiba Thrive as for surrfing the web Ill put it up against anything. I also have an Ipad2, I have an Ipad first generation in the WTT classifieds here at RFF.
With I had a MF to trade
I am selling a Rare 400mm f/5.5 Tele Astranar -- m42 / rack/Pinion focus wheel, (Pieser, 1950's W. German) that is in 100% working order and had complete overhaul last year and cash....
cosmonaut
09-15-2011, 19:03
With I had a MF to trade
I am selling a Rare 400mm f/5.5 Tele Astranar -- m42 / rack/Pinion focus wheel, (Pieser, 1950's W. German) that is in 100% working order and had complete overhaul last year and cash....
I couldn't use the lens. Plus 400mm is just to big for my style.
Don't worry about the specs - both ipads run perfectly with everything including pretty graphics intense games - which would be the most testing thing I can think of for a tablet. The androids are the laggy ones, regardless of how much the specs are better than the apple tablets imo. It's all in the OS - iOS is very refined, android isn't. ipads are the least laggy (eg - they have no lag) of all the tablets.
This is 100% correct, my iPad is the snappiest machine in the house, and I have a 3Ghz iMac with 12GB of RAM, the iPad runs rings around it for responsiveness.
Android is trying to do too much with too little, and performance will suffer.
iPads aren't perfect, but lagginess just isn't an issue on it.
MT
This is 100% correct, my iPad is the snappiest machine in the house, and I have a 3Ghz iMac with 12GB of RAM, the iPad runs rings around it for responsiveness.
Android is trying to do too much with too little, and performance will suffer.
iPads aren't perfect, but lagginess just isn't an issue on it.
MT
Yep.. it's like cars - you can weigh up specifications and numbers all you want, but the 530hp, 1750kg Nissan GTR is still faster than the 560hp, 1480kg ferrari 458 italia, both around corners, in acceleration, and in a quarter mile. It's all about how the machine uses its power.
Stephen G
09-17-2011, 08:23
all android reviews tend to weigh in on the context of "well its not as good as an ipad, but its one of the best android tablets yet!"
given the similarity in pricing, why buy the "almost best" when you can just get the best first time around
with iPad you get OS upgrades for at least 2 years, regularly
with Android, you get a cr@psh00t... depending on whether you vendor decides to update their product anymore (tons of 6month-1year old android devices have stopped receiving updates because the vendor didnt feel like it)
with iPad you get a clear line of support - any issues, you talk to Apple
with Android you get - google support forums, and the vendor to point fingers at each other
if a 50/1.4 summilux asph was $500 and a voigtlander 50/1.4 was $400.. which would you choose :-) ?
I got the Galaxy Tab 10.1 last week, and it's a winner: 1.2 lb, Android (time sharing apps), 1GB ram, 32GB flash, Verizon 4G, ships with Adobe Flash :). Screen is 1280 across, and dynamics are snappy. Wireless support is well implemented: satellite GPS gets a lock in about 5sec, WiFi scanning and connection is even faster. The dedicated apps for Google Maps and Street View are mind-boggling. Two cameras are an amusing diversion, especially the panorama mode. Here's a pic from the 3MP rear-facing one:
http://patternassociates.com/rico/web/misc/s032.pnghttp://patternassociates.com/rico/samsung/misc/artist1.jpg
The $600 price and 2-yr Verizon contract may discourage some, but there's a good reason why Apple wants this tablet dead.
Gabriel M.A.
09-17-2011, 23:43
There is only one tablet. iPad.
There's also the iPad2, which came out over a year ago. And a whole range of Android tablets. So that's quite a few already. ;)
Yes but you have to put a brown paper bag over its head...
But think of the leicas you could buy with the money remaining! ;)
Well, Just won a iPad I 16gb with pictured accessories..for $400.00 shipped... still has 4 months on Apple Warranty... + a 7 day return policy...
Think I did good.....
Thanks for the help.... Really!!
http://www1.picturepush.com/photo/a/6612359/1024/ebay/CIMG4841.jpg
For Sale in the Classified.... 50mm f/2.8 EL Nikkor Enlarging lens my Camera Repair guy gave me...he gave it a CLA before I got it.
ColSebastianMoran
09-24-2011, 17:24
Comments from people who have actually used more than one brand?
I can only say the Apple iOS devices are fabulous. And, with Apple's iron-clad control over every piece of software that goes on your phone/tablet, you have an extra edge in security. The thought of a trojan'd Android pad is quite scary.
Comments from people who have actually used more than one brand?
I can only say the Apple iOS devices are fabulous. And, with Apple's iron-clad control over every piece of software that goes on your phone/tablet, you have an extra edge in security. The thought of a trojan'd Android pad is quite scary.
Every android tab I've used including the asus one, the toshiba one and the galaxy tab have been laggy and unresponsive as far as the OS goes - just not as quick and snappy as the iPad. These have always been display machines though, so maybe with a bit of setup they could run better.
Gabriel M.A.
09-25-2011, 01:54
My ASUS Transformer has lots of apps installed, and an added 32GB xD card. It is far from laggy.
I have had a brief look in the tablets, read a few reviews and found some interesting opinions. The bottom line that came cout could be summarized as:
1) there are no cheap & good solutions.
2) The OS available is still in its young age and most products on the market suffer from child illnesses and missing features.
3) The tablets offer much less value (power, features) for the money than netbooks or small laptops for the same money, so unless you really NEED a tablet, reconsider getting some of the small netbooks. Bigger & heavier - yes, but can do so much more.
I personally decided to let the tablets (both hardware and software) to develop before getting one. Right now I would probably go with iPad2 but once you boost the memory you get way too close to MacBook Air 10" price wise, but years away in performance.
Toshiba Thrive 16 GB is in you budget. And it has full size SD card reader, so many digital cameras can work together.
I have one. Works great
... Don't knock it until you tried it. ...
Point taken. I have actually never really used any tablet (apart from playing with a few in a shop), so my thoughts are based only on what I read.
What I actually do not really like about the way the OS are designed for tablets - they still copy the logic and the behavior of smart phones. I would rather see a "normal" OS that allows users to install stuff, nut just use the Apps available. I believe that would go beyond the current CPU capabilities and would possibly have negative implications on the battery performance. Still I would like to see the shift towards "computer" like OS than phone.
But by no means I am discarding current high end tablets as incapable or slow, just that certain limitations are not appealing to me (right now).
OK, got an iPad I 16gb.. every now and then I get a "1004" error when trying add an app from the App Store with my iTubes account...
What is the cause??
I use my wireless router that is connected to my Comcast Router and I have a 20mbps connection speed. (T3)... I have 10.5gb available on the 16gb IHD left.
My WiFi connection is excellent, since I am 20' away from the wireless router.
Any Ideas??
95% of the time., I have no problem.
willie_901
10-07-2011, 17:17
I have a really cheap ZUNE you might like to buy.
;)
I have a really cheap ZUNE you might like to buy.
;)
So, just some bashing going on... no help?
I got the iPad for my Autistic Son... NO SERIOUS Apps for Special need kids/adults are made for Androids
PLUS his school uses about 100 apps to teach with, instead of books and paper notebooks....Plus, The schools teachers license allows all the students to "Sync" their personal iPad with schools iPad Apps.....
Feel dumb now?
I see the wink.... But, .....
Al Patterson
10-07-2011, 23:40
scrape the money together for an Android and off you go... :cool:
I have a Nook Color with a Sd chip configured to boot the underlying Androin OS. For half the price of an iPad... (yes, it is a 7" pad, but it suits my needs.) YMMV as they say around the 'net...
tyrone.s
10-08-2011, 01:04
Also consider if you'll ever be using a proxy server with Android as currently these are not supported - much to my surprise when I tried to connect to my work Internet. There are heaps of proxy apps but it isn't a trivial, out of the box add a line job afaik. iPad's have no problem with proxies.
For entertainment, an iPad; for productivity, an ASUS Eee Slate.
I can only say the Apple iOS devices are fabulous. And, with Apple's iron-clad control over every piece of software that goes on your phone/tablet, you have an extra edge in security. The thought of a trojan'd Android pad is quite scary.
Good to see you have been drinking the Kool Aid supplied so readily by the Apple Corporation. This is absolute nonsense of course, except for the bit about the iron-clad control applied by the CLOSED Apple Cloud ... anything Apple is an overpriced (but mostly nice) rip off for the masses.
Please read post 52
An Android Tablet won't work for my Son.
Now to my 2nd original question, does anyone know what the error code "1004" means while trying to download an app?
My WiFi connection is fine. My iTunes access is fine.
Thanks again for staying on topic.
SimonSawSunlight
10-08-2011, 04:15
An Android Tablet won't work for my Son.
asus slate? massive cpu and windows 7.
Forget it...
I'm talking to deaf ears.
also,
This actually has a very simple fix, that has worked all the times I have seen it. Simple goto Settings > Safari > Then reset the cookies, Reset the Cache, and Reset the History. Now turn the iPad off and then on again. It should work fine now.
Just found that after a 2 second internet search.
If that fails, re-check your billing details for your iTunes account.
... anything Apple is an overpriced (but mostly nice) rip off for the masses.
well, that is a less than kind way to say that Apple knows very well how to price and market their products.
There are Apple products I would be tempted to have, but do not buy as I find them too expensive for me, but that does not make me to say they are ripping somebody off. I paid 1000€ for my Alu MacBook 13" 3 years back and the thing works like new. If Apple iPads are anything like that than than it could help to justify the cost (although this kind of products age faster than laptops).
An Android Tablet won't work for my Son. [...] Forget it...
I'm talking to deaf ears.
Well I guess it didn't help that you opened the thread asking specifically for Android tablets; some readers might therefore have overlooked how in post 52 you found out that Android is useless for you after all.
Not that it makes much of a difference, since this thread has largely degenerated into the usual brand bashfest. Hilarity ensues as fans defend Apple as if it was Fort McHenry, while non-fans attack the evil empire with pitchforks and Super Soakers.
It's only a personal opinion, of course, but iThink Apple makes the best. iPersonally would get the iPad. And iProbably will. (I'm writing this on my iMac. If iWere upstairs, iWould be writing it on my MacBook. And if iWere out of the house, I'd use my iPhone.) iPrefer Apple. My Apple IIe still works great, BTW.
asus slate? massive cpu and windows 7.
Win 7 won't work either.... iOS4/5 apps don't run on Win 7
Well I guess it didn't help that you opened the thread asking specifically for Android tablets; some readers might therefore have overlooked how in post 52 you found out that Android is useless for you after all.
Not that it makes much of a difference, since this thread has largely degenerated into the usual brand bashfest. Hilarity ensues as fans defend Apple as if it was Fort McHenry, while non-fans attack the evil empire with pitchforks and Super Soakers.
At first I thought I could find "Similar" Apps for Android... but after a large search, I realized that the few Android Apps that were available, where about as good as the worst apps for the iOS4/5..... I know the better Androids offer more versatility in some ways... But, my Son was the reason for the Tablet in the first place....So, I needed to get one that met the needs for him first.
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