Looking into buying a tablet..need some insight? - Galaxy Tab 2 General

Hey all I have been researching tablets here the last couple days. I have never really seen much of a use for them but have recently thought about buying one. I have been in online school for about 8 months and now I am transferring to a local college where I won't be going online anymore, so this is the first reason I have thought about purchasing one. I have 2 different laptops and my galaxy nexus phone at the moment. What I'm wondering is what do you all use your tablet for, what are they capable of that my laptop may be not when I take it to school besides the smaller size? I have looked into ipads but the ability to expand memory with the android devices, plus root capabilities and price has drawn me to this tablet. Just really looking for some good reasons to support the $ 350 purchase other than just to have one lol...

usage for tab
Hi
I mostly use my 2.7 on the London tube to read newspapers. I also play a lot of online backgammon and poker. It's ok to read and play on a mobile phone, but the 7" makes it much easier to read the print and see all the icons, etc. It's also not so cumbersome as a newspaper on a crowded tube.
I also tether my tablet to my phone and use the data to listen to online radio stations and play my games.
A lot of people watch movies on them, on the move.
For home use I prefer a 10" model as it's a much larger screen. It's different to a laptop as everything can be touch screen and as you say, it's much lighter.
I find the Ipads are definately a good responsive device but expensive and far too restrictive. You can pick up a good android tablet for half the price and get more storage and the versitility to do a lot more with it.

The main reason I purchased the tab 2 7.0 was for it's Bluetooth capabilities. I use the tab along with my Bluetooth OBDII reader, paired with the Torque app to help with the monitoring of my car's ECU.
I have since taken a liking to the tab and pretty much use as my daily driver for streaming video, etc
I use it more now for day to day use than my laptop
Regards,
Sent from my SGH-I897 using Tapatalk 2

I use mine for movies using all share and netflix. For reading documents and prints for work and school. Much easier to do these things on a tab than carrying around a laptop. Also the ir blaster built in is really nice for tv channel surfing...

Related

Why you bought an Archos Tablet Pc?

Hey,
i just want to know why you guys bought an archos tablet?
i hate apple^^ (so option 2)
The offer Archos made was just increadible - such a device for such a price, that´s simply a must. And a cool way to piss off IPad users. :-D
Found it cheap on xda
Sent from my HTC Vision using XDA Premium App
I got my Archos 70IT for various reasons: I can take notes better in school, for entertainment, and well..I don't really like Apple either.
It's a really good portable on-the-go laptop, since everything opens instantaneously.
I am a big reader, so a kindle was always in my sights, but i am a big comic/graphic novel reader as well and have a huge digital collection that is a pain to read on a computer/laptop/netbook. The archos 101IT seemed the perfect solution and the form factor is pretty much exactly that of a comic. Add to that the functionality as a media device/ a web surfer and an android device, for the price and the openness(no proprietary software, no proprietary software), expandability(micro sd slot and standard usb port), it was what i needed and what i wanted when i wanted and needed it and has not done anything yet to seriously disappoint me.
for valentine for the wife. Good value for the first gen tablets. Uses it for casual browsing, email and agenda (jorte) and google maps. The usb port is a nice extra feature.
Ideal for watching my 3 ipcams round the house with tiny dvr monitor as security.
Last firmware made a big difference in speed in the positif way.
Needs tweaking to make it really good, so launcherpro is a must.
Less value for reading books. I also have a dell streak with amolet screen. So much better to read books. It's like having a book in pocket format
I choose all 3 options
When i bought it (Nov last year), it is one of the best tablet in the market in term of price, quality and mod-able. iPad is too heavy and i don't like the idea that i have no fun to mod the software.
option 3.
It gave the best balance of features vs cost of any tablet on the market at the time. I would have bought the 8gb version of the 101, but there weren't any in stock anywhere, so I got the 16gb one.
for £300 its got everything I need, and does far more than other tablets which cost more.
It's lightweight, slick, and rather cheap. I owned chinese pad, iPad and Nook Color -- everything was not my cup of tea. Archos 101 became the best choice for me. By now
i thought it would be a useful tool as a home inspector (the state licensed kind not loud mouth tv show kind) but i actually hardly ever touch it since i got it just over a month ago. ive considered selling it but now im not sure what ill get for it.
For me first, I'm glad it's not an iPad! I have never bought and will never EVER buy anything from Apple in my life... period! If anything Apple-made is ever given to me I'll sell it or refuse the "gift." So because of that, I love it!
2nd, I love all the different inputs ON my A101IT!! (The mini HDMI, full-size USB, etc.)
3rd, it's ALL about using it as a big on-the-go screen to watch any of the 400+ DVD movies and listen to the 2,000+ songs on my 500GB Portable External HDD when I go on road trips and plane flights.
had some extra cash and it seems like tablets were the next big thing and i wanted to get in on it and for the price you cant beat it. plus its not carrier locked. sure it requires alot of tweaking to get it right but isnt that what android is all about?
simply,
IPAD doesn't have Flash
IPAD doesn't have SD card
IPAD doesn't have HDMI
IPAD doesn't support enough video formats
IPAD doesn't have USB storage for easy file transfer
IPAD doesn't have bluetooth tether
and...IPAD is 2x price
beside the price, it's very media friendly and it's more powerful then the a5it and my ipaq 210
I've owned iPad for a while and sold it out, since it is almost useless for me except gaming and gaming....
All I need portable, light,
easy to manage file for my study and works
(I have tons of PDF and PPT for study and tons of DOC and Pics for my works),
also I like watch anime and movies and comics.
iPad can satisfies most of above, but not directly....the fatal problem is iPad was hard to manage file on itself, it dont have file manager and only can transfer file via iTunes ,even USB or Wireless, the transfer files progress is not directly for me.
And the prices is very expensive...I've brought 64GB iPad (WIFI only)for my lots of stuff...but not enough....also iPad cannot play all kind of Video formats and the documents support is weakness.
So I've buy Archos 70IT 250GB version and happy to use it for my movies, anime, and Comics, also it is Android Tablet, file manage is mostly like PC.
*sorry for my English, but I really hate iPad...
Archos 70 was the first available / affordable Android Tablet
I bought it because I couldn't wait for the Tegra / Android 3 devices, but am pretty happy with it. Still going to upgrade some time for a 9" tegra tablet.
My main reasons buying my A101 were quite simple.
I had used iPhones for some time until summer 2010 my HTC Desire finally arrived, having used and loved Linux for so many years since school I was glad to have the same level of freedom on most loved device, my phone.
Seeing that (almost) the same freedom was available upon a sleek tablet that played media brilliantly and was a perfect replacement for my aging netbook as my couch surfer/portable media machine I couldn't give it up.
I've had a few problems here and there, but the price I paid and the experience of Android is brilliant, once Honeycomb tablets come down and one suits me like my Archie Archos does I'll be riding that wave as well.
Got it because I wanted a MP4 player and there was only the 70" left but now I'm glad I did that
First, I really wanted an Android tablet because my friend had the Galaxy S phone. I didn't want to deal with a phone / data plan, so I decided to look for an MP3 player. Lo and behold, the Archos 43it was the perfect match. I was a little hesitant to buy it, with the Samsung Galaxy 4.0 tablet so close on the horizon. Long story short, I thought it was worth it to buy it and I haven't looked back since. It's an amazing device.
For me it's a price quality thing..quality okay and price is okay compared to the 'bigger' companies. Furthermore development..with sde it's nice to play with. (see urukdroid threads)

Time to move on. Selling my TF-101.

I've had my 32gb tf 101 for roughly a month after being one of the lucky ones to find the tablet in stores. Mine has no defects except the inevitable minor light bleed.
After trying to incorporate the tablet in my life it has become clear that tablets aren't for me. I always end up reaching for my phone. I've taken the tablet with me on my travels, on the plane with movies and music and all that great stuff. But I end up using my phone 90% of the time, my laptop for another 9% and the tablet for the final 1%. At home my tablet is very rarely used as well. It truly is a unique experience and 3.1 makes it far better. For the time that I've used it, I thoroughly enjoyed it. The display is beautiful.
I'm sure for some people it makes a lot of sense. But sadly it isn't for me. If anyone in the GTA, ON Canada wants it, feel free to shoot me a pm.
Sent from my Samsung Captivate.
Many people are making an assumption that a tablet will replace a laptop or a desktop and will become a productivity device. When people mocked original iPad and called it an oversized Touch they actually weren't that far off; a tablet is purely a consumption and entertainment device. It's understandable that $500 is hard to justify for something like this considering your phone can perform at least 90% of the tasks your tablet can, albeit on a smaller scale. Hopefully OEM's will flood the market with decent Android tablets and drive the prices down to a more bearable ~$200 range.
Personally I find myself reaching for the tablet first and settling for my phone if I absolutly must. Most of the time my phone is set to bluetooth tether. To be honest I'd probably be better off with a 3g call-capable tablet and a pen-sized bluetooth headset. I almost never carry my laptop any more. But I rarely need to work on the go (other than answering emails)
THe only reason I reach for my laptop is Netflix. Otherwise, I spend most of my time on the tablet at home
I want it. Have the 16gb version and loving it. 32gb would be great. Please shoot me a pm with price. Thanks
vernicex said:
I want it. Have the 16gb version and loving it. 32gb would be great. Please shoot me a pm with price. Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Newegg had them in stock this morning.
I have a 360, a Boxee Box, and a Blu-ray player attached to my TV. All 3 have some overlapping features, but each one does something the other two can't do, and I enjoy having the different options. If one of them died, I could limp along with the other two, but I'd rather not. Point is, tablet and phone features will always overlap, you just have to figure out which task each one is better at and use it accordingly, then you'll find the tablet has a valuable place in your tech collection. I could live without the TF, but I'd rather not
I use it to read pdfs. most my books and journal articles are available in pdf format. The TF is by far the best pdf reader. I agree, you don't ready need it if you have good laptop. It's a luxury toy not pc replacement.
Sent from my Inspire 4G using XDA Premium App
dfin13 said:
I have a 360, a Boxee Box, and a Blu-ray player attached to my TV. All 3 have some overlapping features, but each one does something the other two can't do, and I enjoy having the different options. If one of them died, I could limp along with the other two, but I'd rather not. Point is, tablet and phone features will always overlap, you just have to figure out which task each one is better at and use it accordingly, then you'll find the tablet has a valuable place in your tech collection. I could live without the TF, but I'd rather not
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What (s)he said! I have 2 PS3s at home just because I didn't want to spend money on a bluray player only. A tablet is luxury for most of us... there are very few instances where a tablet would be beneficial (e.g. inventorying, showing clients photos or videos etc.). I personally love my tablet and have not used my PC as much. And with a baby around it's great to have a neat little gadget that's portable and has nice multimedia features.
He I don't really fault people for buying a tablet and then realizing it has no place in their life. I bought a used 7" Galaxy Tab for the gf a couple of weeks ago to replace her eReader. She thinks its neat, but she hasn't used it for anything but reading and to her, it seems like a waste. So I'll probably sell it and get her the new Nook reader. Tablets just aren't for everyone.
have you ever tried one of the thumb keyboards available on the market place? They make using a tablet sloop much easier and more practical
I'm pretty new to the whole tablet world, started with the NookColor and moved onto the Transformer. I've got to say it's mostly a consumption device but it's a fantastic consumption device at that. I love the internet on the 10" screen, love the entirely useable e-mail client included, love the quality of the games available and look forward to the continued evolution of the platform in general.
I loaded up the Autodesk sketch program and found myself cheerfully painting like a kid for the first time in decades - It's not that I can't do anything in particular on a tablet vs. another device, just that the tablet seems like a good fit for many more things. A magazine looks like a magazine, the internet looks like it does on my real computer and the remote access means I've got my fully useable desktop with me anywhere there's a wifi connection.
I think the only real downside it the portability. I grew up in an era where professionals carried around day planners so this is no big stretch for me but it is unusual given today's norms. Too big to fit in a pocket and too small to justify a computer bag.
All in all though if a phone and laptop do what you need that should be all you need. I'm not happy reading stuff on my laptop and personally prefer the touch interface when on the go so tablets fit my bill - for now.
use it as an in dash display in your car. That way it is always with you in a practical manner.
Then when you need to take it out of your car you can carry it into the library/coffee shop or whatever.
newtybar said:
use it as an in dash display in your car. That way it is always with you in a practical manner.
Then when you need to take it out of your car you can carry it into the library/coffee shop or whatever.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This was my plan all along (still the primary reason), but then when I got my TF, I found so many other uses. Yes I have a MT4G and a laptop, but the TF makes viewing things so much easier. I have just loaded up Supernatural seasons 5 and 6, so I can get caught up anywhere I want to. I love it!
I can't agree that the TF is not a productivity tool, it is my tool of choice for email and browsing at home and Google docs app is the business. I do have the dock though which turns it into a netbook but with better battery life and screen.
So far loving it.
First to android and tablets and ive turned on my computer twice in 3 weeks...
and both times was so that i could remote into and control my music downloads as i watched tv, surfed the net, and responded to work emails.
even last night, i downloaded a "read to me" story of the 3 little pigs and watched it with my daughter before she went to bed...
then i get to surf the net in bed again.. catch up with xda, news, sports, etc..
its a convenience..
this past weekend i took it on a road trip.. my daughter played games, i used it to book a room while using the hotel's wifi, snapped a few pics in the car, and even got it to tether off an older palm treo phone...(so i had internet in the car!)
i should be receiving mines any minute now...
already owning the g2x and a laptop the sole reason for me getting the transformer is to read pdf files. Being a college student textbooks become really expensive. Now days you can get a copy of the text in pdf for a fraction of the cost or if you just search the net you can find it for free. For me reading pdf files off a laptop is really inconvenient and the battery life is nothing compared to a tablet. Therefore it made sense for me to invest in a tablet and load all my pdf text onto the tablet. I save money in the end and I don't have to lug around a bunch of heavy ass textbooks everyday. So it's a win-win situation for me.
AnyMal said:
Many people are making an assumption that a tablet will replace a laptop or a desktop and will become a productivity device. When people mocked original iPad and called it an oversized Touch they actually weren't that far off; a tablet is purely a consumption and entertainment device. It's understandable that $500 is hard to justify for something like this considering your phone can perform at least 90% of the tasks your tablet can, albeit on a smaller scale. Hopefully OEM's will flood the market with decent Android tablets and drive the prices down to a more bearable ~$200 range.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Won't happen unless subsidized, most phones are $450.
For me I've noticed that since getting this the battery on my evo lasts 3x as long. Surfing on this is much more pleasant.
As a university student, the tablet is an awesome device once you put the proper apps in it.
-a proper file manager (I've still yet to find one with drag&drop and proper shortcuts like windows explorer)
-a proper 'windows-office' like program and one that opens pdfs
-a proper video player (moboplayer)
-a proper calendar and agenda device
-a proper ebook reader (ie moonreader)
etc
The advantage of android apps is that they open much faster than if you were to run windows versions of the programs. With files are easily transferred over ftp, it is very time-efficient.
I'd say this device can easily take the place of my current netbook (and it has). The long lasting battery life and the tiny form factor (along with its lightweightness) really sold it for me
lawonga said:
As a university student, the tablet is an awesome device once you put the proper apps in it.
-a proper file manager (I've still yet to find one with drag&drop and proper shortcuts like windows explorer)
-a proper 'windows-office' like program and one that opens pdfs
-a proper video player (moboplayer)
-a proper calendar and agenda device
-a proper ebook reader (ie moonreader)
etc
The advantage of android apps is that they open much faster than if you were to run windows versions of the programs. With files are easily transferred over ftp, it is very time-efficient.
I'd say this device can easily take the place of my current netbook (and it has). The long lasting battery life and the tiny form factor (along with its lightweightness) really sold it for me
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try repligo readerd for a good pdf reader, you can even add notes, drraw lines and rectangles, write free hand on the pdf ...

[Honest Answers] should i buy a tablet?

hi. i finished school with good grades so my dad told me he will buy me what i want (but not ANYTHING like 1000$ or something)
anyway, i told him i wanted a galaxy tab 10.1
i waited until it arrived then i was going to go and buy it then my bro told me "Do you really need it?"
so i head to the store and before buying it i remembered what he said and i headed home without buying it.
it have been days and i am over my head thinking and especially that i can buy anything else" i need" (but idk what i really need) and that my dad offered me to deposit in my bank account the same price of the tab in case i did not buy it.
here is why i want it: games, web browing , chatting.
do i really need it ?
If you don't have smartphone it will be a whole new world for you and you will love it. Now if you are a techie with a lot of gadgets its simply going to be an accessory, a very convenient one still. then comes all the in depth customizing. It could most likely eliminate the use of others if you can find its use. At the same price you can get a good laptop or even a better super phone. Its all up to your standards of living, if you can use such a product productivly and willing to put the time into getting to understand the product, standard ergonomics.
Sent from my A500 using XDA Premium App
i had samsung 7, and now 10.1. For myself i would buy it again. But it wont answer your question.
Read following feature list. If you will use following features regularry, its for you.
- reader : comfortable way to read books ( write anot.) you can keep thpusands of books with variouse format
- light weight : important, if you travel often
-good access to internet, mail, exchange
- remote access over vpn to remote desktop etc
For me, it is useless to have netbook. I have also laptop, but heavy i7 proc, 16Gssd. Its hardly portable, but i run on it network simulation.
Personaly if i would be fresh graduate, i would wait. This market is really new.
I love my Tab but if you don't have a computer or a laptop I would get as lightweight of a laptop that you can afford. A 14 inch screen around one inch thick would be a great portable sized one, I have an HP that size and it is great.
But if you do have a computer/laptop already then the Tab would an awesome addition, but it is really a toy IMO.
Love my tab
I love my Tab. I never bought into the smartphone craze, mostly due to the price of data plans, the Tab allows me into the world of smartphones, just on wifi instead. Between Netflix,games, browsing on the net, reading Game of Thrones on the kindle app, RSS readers I have not used my computer nor my PlayStation all summer long. With all the customization I am very happy with my decision, save for no love from an actual Netflix app or HBO GO.
I say yes and here is way. Tablets are changing the consumption of media, and they do everything from web browsing, email, IM chat, video calls, movies, tv shows, games, media storage, news, books, and on and on. My gtab is playing second fiddle to my iPad right now but it is a really nice convenient way to be connected.
You say you don't really know what you need...so it sounds like there's really nothing you need. I suggest you do buy it! It's pretty sweet! You could use it for many things on a daily basis. You said you finished school, I don't know if you're going back or not, but you can also use it to take notes in class instead of wasting paper.
If you buy it you have 14 days to return it without a problem. If you buy it at a Best Buy they won't even charge you for a restocking fee so give it a try!
While it is definitely true that no one NEEDS a tablet I have found it to be a fantastic device and worth every penny. I was always an apple person and was super excited about the ipad until I discovered it was basically a big phone. So I waited for something more approaching a computer to come along and finally decided on the tab.
Pros
1. Super light weight: makes my netbook seem like a brick. This is majorly useful for heading out of the house and for holding while lounging around or whatever.
2. Fast for email and web browsing.
3. Emulators - plays snes and genesis games... what more do you want.
4. Touchscreen - with keyboards designed for honeycomb e.g. thumbkeyboard it is surprisingly easy to type. Browsing etc feels great.
5. Always on and ready to go (though mac laptops / chrome are simillar)
Cons
1.for writing it is still not quite able to give a good experience (though that should be obvious) it struggles with large documents and Google docs is badly implemented. For instance I was reading a manuscript on here marking places that needed editting using polaris office (included free). It worked nice as a reader but did not inform me that it failed to save the last 20 of my 60+ bookmarks.
2. More bugs and lag than on a fully fledged computer, but not too bad.
3. Not post-pc enough to justify purchase over desktop or laptop depending on what you already have - in terms of what you can do, the tablet is no replacement for either. But if you have them already you will find you use them far less.
My suggestion (as a GTab 10.1 Owner) is... don't buy a Galaxy Tab 10.1
Get a Nook Color... root it, overclock it... etc... you'll learn much more this way and you'll save several hundred dollars
... or get the original galaxy tab 7, which you can find for less than 200 dollars on craigslist.
and maybe get an ipod touch with your extra cash and have the best of both worlds. I dunno, up to you.
Either way, at this point 500 is too much to pay.
I'm disappointed there is no official netflix app, no official google voice support... lack of quality tablet apps, and I'm worried about Samsung supporting the device once the next version comes out.
Consumption v. Production
Nice contrast between pros and cons. About the question, really depends on what you plan on using it for. I think the tab is more often used for information consumption versus production. I use it for work as a sales rep to view email and work files quickly and easily. I tether it through my HTC Inspire and almost always have it connected. Again, more for information consumption versus production. However, I know there is a docking keyboard I may get down the road, and not carry my laptop anymore! And, its cool to pull up videos/pics/industry news on the spot to show clients without the hassle of booting up a laptop...
Jake-CT said:
While it is definitely true that no one NEEDS a tablet I have found it to be a fantastic device and worth every penny. I was always an apple person and was super excited about the ipad until I discovered it was basically a big phone. So I waited for something more approaching a computer to come along and finally decided on the tab.
Pros
1. Super light weight: makes my netbook seem like a brick. This is majorly useful for heading out of the house and for holding while lounging around or whatever.
2. Fast for email and web browsing.
3. Emulators - plays snes and genesis games... what more do you want.
4. Touchscreen - with keyboards designed for honeycomb e.g. thumbkeyboard it is surprisingly easy to type. Browsing etc feels great.
5. Always on and ready to go (though mac laptops / chrome are simillar)
Cons
1.for writing it is still not quite able to give a good experience (though that should be obvious) it struggles with large documents and Google docs is badly implemented. For instance I was reading a manuscript on here marking places that needed editting using polaris office (included free). It worked nice as a reader but did not inform me that it failed to save the last 20 of my 60+ bookmarks.
2. More bugs and lag than on a fully fledged computer, but not too bad.
3. Not post-pc enough to justify purchase over desktop or laptop depending on what you already have - in terms of what you can do, the tablet is no replacement for either. But if you have them already you will find you use them far less.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
*Bump*
so should i get a laptop/ computer or a tab ?
No. You NEED a computer if youre attending another type of schooling. I'd get a tablet later because having a computer has more uses especially for school, where a tab(especially a HoneyComb one) is for play and mobility(or as I call lazyness).
When I had my iPad, I used it for internet because I was lazy to get my laptop out. Went back and returned it (I'm 16, so I have to be allowed to return regardless, within the return period, this case being 3 months ), thought I wanted an iPad 2, bought a laptop, and don't regret it.
Laptops last much longer if you buy the ones $600-$900(they are mainly above average these days).
In short, GET A LAPTOP, THEN A TAP YOU REALLY WANT LATER, like a quad core one hahah.
Sent from my LG-P999 using XDA App
hnakhi said:
*Bump*
so should i get a laptop/ computer or a tab ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have all 3. This is order of how much I use each device.
Laptop > Netbook > Tab 10.1
Laptop is still the best for overall productivity.
I like my tablet, but there is no way it could be my only device.
Sent from my GT-P7510 using Tapatalk
For games, get an iPad.
Big MMORPGS, got a Laptop.
Web browsing, a 15-17 inch laptop.
If you want it to be portable, iPad/XOOM, Tab 10.1 is too thin and easy to snap, also doesn't take a memory card, XOOM does.
Chatting, all will work.
If you don't have a dual core phone, get a laptop, but get a good one, my Toshiba Satallite for $600, dual core at 2.3 ghz I believe, 4 Gb of ram, 640(really 500)gb hard drive, etc. I don't regret picking my laptop over the iPad 2. Yes, I've had iphone 3g since launch, the 3gs, then 4 until February, had android since(like 5 android phones, all getting better).
I have a strong feeling you will be happy with a computer over a tablet. If not, you got 15-30 days to return But you will want a tablet. go play with a tab at bestbuy, not a game, just see what it can do, the speeds it does. My dads employee lent him a 10.1, I played with it for about 10 minutes, then got bored. Go try it out, tabs are limited, not computers.
If none of that made sense, I explained why to get a laptop.
To answer your Original Post(no, I'm not lazy, I wont us OP), GET A LAPTOP FIRST, THEN A TABLET LATER.
But seriously, he might be right. Do you really want a tab? Go play with one first then tell me what you think.
Sent from my LG-P999 using XDA App
matistight said:
No. You NEED a computer if youre attending another type of schooling. I'd get a tablet later because having a computer has more uses especially for school, where a tab(especially a HoneyComb one) is for play and mobility(or as I call lazyness).
In short, GET A LAPTOP, THEN A TAP YOU REALLY WANT LATER, like a quad core one hahah.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is the best advice in your case. Unless you already have a nice laptop, get yourself a MacBook Pro, because you'll need it for any school related and/or creative projects you will embark on in the future. Throw Parallels, then Windows, and any games you can think of on it, and you'll be set for a while. MBP may be approaching your dads budget, and I feel for him, but a 13" at Macmall/Microcenter with $50 8GB ram upgrade from NewEgg is the route I'd want my smart, savvy son to take.
If your laptop shreds already, tell dad to find you a $99 HP Touchpad, and spend the rest on an educational father/son trip to Vegas. ;D
Sent from my GT-P7510 using Tapatalk
matistight said:
If you want it to be portable, iPad/XOOM, Tab 10.1 is too thin and easy to snap, also doesn't take a memory card, XOOM does.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
WTF? That's a reason for NOT buying a Tab? Because it'll be more likely to break by putting massive force on either side?
I'd also like to see a survey of how many Xoom or Transformer or Iconia users actually, you know, swap SD cards on a regular basis.
I have a laptop (a gaming one at that)
A tab 10.1
and an HTC evo...
I use my laptop quite a bit 4-10 hrs a day
phone about 2-5hrs a day
tab 10.1 >2 hrs a day
so in the end was it worth the 499.99 no, am i glad i bought it yes.
im the kind of person who always has to get something when i see it that looks cool...
I do love how fast and easy it is to surf web and stream music. once i get the logitech Zagg bt keyboard case will i use it for school, yes. I would much rather carry that around than a 17" laptop...
The tab is very convenient when in bed and doing some last minute XDA reading (lol i love this site) or when playing a game on my laptop, to be able to look up something w/o having to ALT+TAB is wonderful... idk about some people but i think its pretty snappy when it comes to browsing the web (w/ dolphin browser)...
start with a laptop or a MBP (they are nice but im still a M$ person) if you go with a Windows machine check out HP's website they always have great GREAT deals on high performance laptops (HP makes very nice laptops and you would be wrong to think any less IMO)
(tons of free upgrades and i think they still have the deal going on where you buy a laptop and get a free 4Gb Xbox)
I love my Tab... only downfall for me is the homescreen/launcher (TW) is pretty laggy... esp when moving apps or creating shortcuts
hope this helps...
OK, I found an article on Engadget and that might answer most of the questions you are looking for. And then you can decide for yourself whether you need tablet or a netbook or notebook, etc.
http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/21/editorial-tablets-arent-the-third-device-id-hoped-for-fr/
Sent from my GT-P7510 using XDA Premium App
Here's what I'll tell you,
Tablets are a great internet viewing device and fun to pay games on, but they are more of a filler between a phone and a laptop. If you do not have a laptop or your own computer I would suggest the computer.
At this point in time, if I were you, I would get an HP TouchPad for $99 (if you can find one) and play around with it. If you like it then good, if you don't you can sell it on ebay for most likely more than you paid or keep it because it is only $99. Then you have the rest of your money to get a laptop or Galaxy Tab if you find the need for them.
krips2003 said:
OK, I found an article on Engadget and that might answer most of the questions you are looking for. And then you can decide for yourself whether you need tablet or a netbook or notebook, etc.
http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/21/editorial-tablets-arent-the-third-device-id-hoped-for-fr/
Sent from my GT-P7510 using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The writer seems to be someone that hates tablets as a whole.
Sent from my GT-P7510 using Tapatalk

android tablet not useful

I've had the transformer for 3 months.
It does some things great but it is neither a tool or a laptop replacement. The tablet effect may be real at the moment but it will pass.
I love this tablet for movies and email and calendar on the road. And for battery life.
That's where my love ends
It is slow. The browser is deadly slow and buggy as ****. How does a Google product have such a **** browser?
It is not useful as a tool.
Letters, documents spreadsheets... can be done but not effectively.
It is a fun toy and nice to have on the road. But I still need me macbook for anything work related. So now I just have one more thing in my travel bag. Not the direction I want to go.
And worthy of note, of all my computers and devices, I like my full desktop with dual monitors and 6core Intel CPU best. The desktop isn't dead yet either.
Ty.
I use it as a terminal into my computer. So when I go to a meeting or travel I can access my computer with remote desktop.
Do you have the docking? And did you try other browsers?
Because with docking and with opera mobile i do not reckognize any of your points.
I never buy my TF in order to replace my Ubuntu laptop or my desktop computer.
I have it for the battery life, the GPS, the portability, to do emails, downloads, games and surfing lazy in my salon listening TV at same time, copying my camera movies or pictures in holidays, etc ...
I'm doing that before with a net book, but now I have also a Tablet and this is so Geek
The TF is somewhere between my HTC Desire and my Laptop !
I like also to see Honeycomb and the market growing with butty full applications.
This is my new precious and I enjoy it so much
Regards.
PS: Try Dolphin Browser HD, is not to bad and faster.
I wouldn't say it's not useful...just not exactly a laptop replacement.
I do use it for documents, emails, games, and such...the same thing I use my laptop for...the only difference is that the TF allows me to do all that at the coffee shop with my feet up on the hearth, eating a scone...
It is what it is...
I would say that you picked the Transformer up for all the wrong reasons. You have a Macbook yet you're looking for something portable for work. That doesnt' really make sense to me. You're probably not the best use case for this device.
This thing is for people who like the price point and portability of a netbook, but enjoy the tablet form factor for general or on-the-go use. This doesn't seem to be you and I wouldn't call Android tablets "not useful" when you're basically looking for a full laptop replacement - which this is not.
Edit: Re-read, you have a Macbook, didn't specifically say an Air, but maybe one would be better suited for your needs? It's light, has a full OS and is about as portable as laptops can be.
Having the TF now means that I can leave my laptop in the office for the week & only carry my TF to & from home each evening for email, browsing & other work related things.
On the train I watch a TV show or listen to music on the TF & when home I use kindle to read books in bed.
It isn't a laptop or even a netbook, as someone else said, it is what it is, you just have to find out how to fit it into your life.
Honestly, I love when people come in to a device specific forum and complain about how they don't use/need it. Personally, I found that using wireless tether and tablet keeps it with me and in use everywhere i go.
Huh, for me I've essentially replaced my Work windows laptop with my Transformer.
I use a Combo of the stock browser and Dolphin for Pad for web browsing (stock set to tablet, Dolphin set to desktop). I randomly will have a site act funky, but never been a show stopper.
I picked up a bluetooth keyboard that works great for longer emails and document creation via Polaris Office. None of the Android Office suites are MS Office replacements yet, but Polaris suites my needs.
I have VPN Connections working to connect to my corp network when needed.
2X Client is an amazing RDP client for connecting to boxes on my home network or on the corp network when VPN'd in.
The only thing I have an issue with is printing support for Emails/websites/documents when needed. I can print pictures to my HP via their iPrint app. I haven't researched printing solutions that much yet (open to any good suggestions).
Since I got my Transformer in June, the only time I've gotten my laptop out at home was to run a specific app that is Windows only for my golf league and to print those reports. I inquired with the developers about an Android port, but they said it wasn't on their timeline.
I disagree,
Its not useful to you maybe, but to me its exactly what I bought it to be.
I have read more books on my TF in the past 3 months than I have read in the 2 years before that.
I can browse my PC network from any room in the house, view any pictures, listen to any music and watch every video format I have, wherever, whenever.
I can browse the web conveniently, quickly and almost perfectly on my WiFi connection or using 3G from my Desire.
I can waste a few minutes playing a game, or reading a comic.
I can show off my artwork to customers or friends via the gallery.
I can sketch an idea or write a note, even draw some artwork.
I can see whats on TV next or even watch that thing I missed the night before on catchup.
It's not a PC or laptop replacement, its not meant to be, its the thing you use when you don't have time to boot up your PC, or when you don't want to carry that laptop, or know that you will need more than 3 hours of battery life.
its Amazing....
My TF with the dock now fits neatly between my Evo and my Mac Mini in terms of functionality. My portable computing needs are not that taxing, so the Macbook Pro I had was overkill. Sold it last month and now my TF is my portable. I miss some things about the MBP, namely OS X, but I'm getting used to it.
My TF fits perfect for what i need. Reading news feeds, books, PDF's/documents, emails, taking notes with my stylus, and a quick check of the internet with the browser.
Any heavy usage i rely on my chromebook or work laptop and any heavy reading done with my nook color since it's lighter.
Hungry troll is hungry....
I sure wouldnt lug my desktop out to the back yard for some hammock surfing, nor would I use a laptop for extended reading. I see tablets an extension of my current setup, not as a replacement for anything.
If you don't see a use for tablets, why get one? Personally, aside from nitpicking, I couldn't be more happy about my Transformer. I simply love the little thing.
It's definitely not as effective for some pretty important work related things (ie. I had a lot of trouble making fine details on my presentation slides, but I just decided to do the tiny things on my laptop instead). Of course, I don't expect it to be a desktop/laptop replacement. It's a netbook (and tablet of course), and it's meant to be ultra portable. I love it.
For all of my the things I used to used my netbook for (email, web surfing, basic photo editing, games, movies, books, etc.) the Transformer is more than enough. Anything beyond that I use my desktop. The only thing that I wish would happen is a decent screenwriting application (Celtx hopefully). Opera mobile has no lag for me though the stock browser is pretty slow as you say. I don't think the TF was ever pitched as a netbook replacement. The dock inclusion is mainly aimed for those who want a tablet form factor (touchscreen, thin, high resolution screen) with the occasional benefit of faster input through a keyboard (it also serves as an extended battery and stand).
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using xda premium
the TF is my new laptop. I have my desktop forgaming etc..
The TF does everything else.. this was one of the best buys i have ever made.
what an utterly pointless thread ..... wheres this Iron Fist ????
IMHO, the thing that will make or break the 'usefulness' of a tablet is the software. And of course, everyone's needs will be different.
If you've got to do serious work on it, yeah, you're gonna be better with a full-on laptop. Period.
Myself, I don't need the horsepower of a full laptop, but I do find that the browser on the tablet is pretty slow. Some apps could use a lot of improvement (for instance, I use Polaris Office to interface with Google Docs, but I hate the little return carriage icon it puts after every line in the editor...)
I'm going to hang on to mine because it is useful to me, and as software improves, it will get even more useful.
Its good for books and magazines.
Listening to audio any format
watching movies in SD format only, any higher and experience lag and desync audio
games are enjoyable
internet browsing is ok would be alot better if websites considered ppl touching a screen rather then using a mouse.
some apps beat the website but not many
OP, cry me a river. You don't have anyone to blame other than yourself about the fact that you purchased a device you didn't have the need for.
I've got a gaming desktop with dual 24 inch IPS screens setup; a 15 inch windows/ubuntu Asus laptop; an old iBook acting as a home server; a Galaxy S 4 inch Android smartphone; and an iPod Touch 4th generation (solely for work related testing purposes).
In addition, I was pretty skeptical about the tablets as a device class as a whole before.
Know what? The TF did actually fit me so damn well that I can't imagine not having it now. I had never imagined I'd have those situations and use cases before I actually started using it.

[Q] Can you still get excited for the tf101? if so, help me!

I've had this transformer since it came out. Dont use it much, except when I need to finish up some work on the road which is the reason why I bought it...having the flexibility of keyboard...
Are you still excited about it? What purpose does it serve you? Whats your favorite feature?
I just bought an HDMI to mini HDMI cable so I could connect it at my in laws T.V and my children can watch Netflix or movies we have purchased on Amazon. Any other use for it?
Thank you for your suggestions.
The TF101 is a great device! I've had it almost as long as it's been out and I still love it. If you are having a hard time finding a use for it then you either didn't really need a tablet in the first place or are not looking at its full potential. I use mine for everything, it has totally replaced my laptop. Android has tons of productivity and office apps, apps for sharing documents and other work, loads of games, eBook reading apps, etc., etc.
Any device can be written off as not necessary, after all people can get along just fine with no electronic devices at all (I used to work and live in a wilderness training camp myself). The key to revitalizing the shine on any tablet is to start using it for everyday things and to try changing the look and feel. Try doing something on it that you would normally do on a laptop or PC, after the initial shift in feel you may find that you like the tablet more. You could also try a new ROM to change the look, feel, and performance. If all of this seems like too much work then maybe you should just sell it and move on...tablets are not the answer for everyone.
Sent from my Asus TF101 using Xparent Cyan Tapatalk 2
If you need others to remind you what you should use your tablet for, then maybe you don't really need one?
I'm not at all saying this to mock you, I purchased a TF101 myself and have the dock too. I use the tablet for Netflix, casual news reading and a little bit of playing games like Machinarium and Rayman Jungle Run. I intended to use it for Skype as well, but the mic volume was always too low so I gave up on that and went back to my laptop for Skype.
My three year old son uses the tablet a lot more than I do for watching videos and playing games in Zoodles Kid Mode.
The dock I use for one thing and one thing only: backup battery when traveling - what a waste of money! (for me)
I like having a tablet even though I'm far from a heavy user and I like my TF101. That said, I'm tempted to get a Nexus 7 and let the Transformer call it a day.
It's convenient, small, and can do everything... well almost. I mostly use it at work to connect to switches, serial ports, etc. That way I don't have to carry the macbook around. Then at home it becomes a remove for my TV device, a portable crappy-game station, a small OGT TV for streaming from the SAN, etc. There's so many uses!
TF101 Uses
dinc2010 said:
I've had this transformer since it came out. Dont use it much, except when I need to finish up some work on the road which is the reason why I bought it...having the flexibility of keyboard...
Are you still excited about it? What purpose does it serve you? Whats your favorite feature?
I just bought an HDMI to mini HDMI cable so I could connect it at my in laws T.V and my children can watch Netflix or movies we have purchased on Amazon. Any other use for it?
Thank you for your suggestions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I love my TF101. Best part is the "instant on" feature. When I need to quickly check something quickly on the Internet without waiting for my laptop or desktop to boot.
How about buying a Bluetooth OBD II adapter (less than $20 on Amazon) buy the app "Torque" and for $25.00 you have an excellent OBD2 diagnostic tool. I have one and it works great!
Rodger
I just use my transformer to output video to my TV. Other than that, not many uses. Used to use it a lot more when I was using my Nexus S.
Now that my phone is more superior (in specs) to my Transformer, I use it a lot less and less.
Would I get another tablet? Probably not because it doesn't fit my needs. For some people, it fits into theirs. For me, I use my desktop a lot so a tablet doesn't necessarily replace anything for me. I find some uses for it when I'm reading on the go though, although this semester it wasn't needed as much--others it was more handy.
Just kind of hard to find the balance between tablet and phone usages, in my opinion.
Was extremely excited to flash ROMs and all that on my TF101, but now that the community isn't as active (most has shifted to other devices) this has gone downhill.
bedtime surfing
I only really use mine for bedtime surfing, youtube and occasionally Music. I like playing with different ROMs and now I'm trying to get Plasma Active (Ubuntu.... proper Linux) on it.
I use mine for a multitude of things, from inventory control, web surfing, submitting customer orders, receiving inventory, word processing, spread sheets, games, and more often then not when I am out camping. I go camping A LOT in summer here in Alaska, so it is a lot easier to tote around the TF101 then it is to tote around my 17" Toshiba laptop.
My tf also serves as my GPS in the car when I'm on the road visiting customers. Tethered to my phone just for the web connectivity since I did not get the 3G version. Honestly the TF has changed the way that I use computers and my work. Yes the "instant on" feature is very nice. But the portability and feature rich ability is the sole reason I wanted one.
Let's see: internet, email, netflix, crackle, remote into home pc and most importantly as a head unit in my truck, lol! Since it is my head unit, I use it almost everyday.
diffrnt said:
Let's see: internet, email, netflix, crackle, remote into home pc and most importantly as a head unit in my truck, lol! Since it is my head unit, I use it almost everyday.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, you get a WIN and a +1 from me. How exactly do you have it as your head unit? Mounts? Pictars wud be gud....Ja!
diffrnt said:
Let's see: internet, email, netflix, crackle, remote into home pc and most importantly as a head unit in my truck, lol! Since it is my head unit, I use it almost everyday.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
pics or it didn't happen...

Categories

Resources