Recommend a Tablet...

[RuSZ]

Right, been looking at Tablet computers for university use..

I find that my netbook is quite restrictive for university as my seating position and the netbook screen obscure my view. its mainly used around the house now that my old laptop is acting like a desktop.

So ive narrowed my choice down to a few;

RIM Blackberry Playbook. £399
7inch screen 1024x600pixel, BlackberryTablet OS. WIFI ONLY
HDMi, Flash, HTML5, 1GHz Dual Core, 1024mb RAM, 16GB SSD, 3mp & 5mp Cameras

Asus Eee Pad Transformer. £379
10.1inch Screen 1280x800pixel, Android 3.0 Honeycomb OS. WIFI ONLY
Flash, HTML5, 1GHz Dual Core, 1024mb RAM, 16GM SSD, 5mp & 1.2mp Camera

Motorola Xoom. £479
10.1inch Screen 1280x800pixel, Android 3.0 Honeycomb OS. WIFI ONLY
Flash, HTML5, 1GHz Dual Core, 1024mb RAM, 16GM SSD, 5mp & 2mp Camera


I dont want an iPad, ive tried it, didnt like it, dont preach how good it is, i just wont listen about Apple..

Im wanting it for typing up lectures, so quick keyboard and processing. i want to be able to do multitasking and watch HD movies when needed.

I currently have a HTC Desire phone, so very familiar to Android OS, but i know that 3.0 is completely different to 2.3 on the Desire. the blackberry seems as strange choice, but ive been offered a WiFi only one on my current mobile network, they say because i wont technically be using a 3G network on it, my mobile allowence will go up (and so will my monthly payments).

I only want WiFi, my mobile has WiFi tethering so not paying for a feature i dont need.

Thanks in advance

 

[colin79666]

The Blackberry has great hardware and a great OS but there's very little software (apps) for it so they only real non-apple OS to go for is Android 3 at the minute.

 

[Eklipze3k]

 

[RuSZ]

The Blackberry has great hardware and a great OS but there's very little software (apps) for it so they only real non-apple OS to go for is Android 3 at the minute.

like i said, not off down the Apple route, ive had 5 people on FBchat say to get it, all i think is; :yuck:

ive played on a xoom, its good hardware, but not the best built. The eeePad is actually quite good, its a budget machine, it works well, well built and its android, which i quite a pro for me personally.

I had a go on a Playbook, but it wasnt first nature to me on how to use it, but i guess because its a brand new OS it wouldnt be. but it seemed slick and usable, and the multitasking was obvious. was run a movie at the same time as loading 2 websites. my HTC would struggle with the movie

but lack of Apps at the moment seems a big sticking point, however it does have a built in document editer, which is a selling point. i only want it for movies, text editing and internet. my phone would be for Apps like angry birds... so blackberry has an edge.

nom nom nom, yes please

 

[RuSZ]

went to see 3, my mobile network today, they've offered me an upgrade on my current mobile contract, which is due for renewal next month, with a new phone of my choice, and a blackberry Playbook included for £150. i'll be on 24months paying £37.50p/m for both Phone&Table

 

[Vance]

Seeing this gave me a tablet craving.

 

[ben]

Would have thought that if it's for typing up notes, having a real keyboard would be better?

 

[RuSZ]

you would think so, but having used a netbook with a full keyboard it posed as many problems as it solved, the angle i put the screen at obstructed my view and the heat sink vent actually burnt my mate sitting next to me :doh:

having played about with one of the smaller 7inch tablets ive found that the keyboard is perfectly able and once used to it becomes second nature, ive already learnt "touch" typing with my Desire mobile handset.

the Blackberry won me over with the fact that i found out it comes built in with a .doc/pub/xls file reader and editor so i can create files that my MSOffice will read. the equivalent app for Android is £10. WIN!

 

[Venters]

Ive got a galaxy tab, nice bit of kit. but couldnt imagine doing lots of typing on a touchscreen.

 

[Papa P]

We've been reviewing tablets at work and have 7 different ones at the last count!

The iPad for me was great when it came to usability and the user experience (unusual for me to say that as I am anti-Apple), however it is of absolutely no use in a multi-user environment where security is also essential.

The Playbook is also great for usability and the user experience...and for home use with a blackberry it would be amazing! However if you dont have a blackberry (at the moment) its flippin' pointless! I love the Playbook (I'm a blackberry owner) and there are loads of updates on the way but at the moment its not a polished product like the iPad. Its also the easiest to hold thanks to its rubber coating and its smaller size.

I havent had much exposure to the Xoom, or to Android for that matter, but it seems to be a decent Tablet. It fell down in the corporate environment because of issues with using an authenticated proxy, but for home use its up there withe iPad.

We also have an Acer Iconia W500 tablet which to me is the bees knees! Windows 7, has a detachable keyboard/dock and for me was the pick of the other Windows devices which I wont bore you with! When its docked its almost second nature to use your finger to open something but then to type on the physical keyboard. Decent performance from it as well.

We've also trialled a Fujitsu tablet (Win 7), a Motion C5 (Win 7 and for healthcare) and a Toughbook (WinXP)

If I had to pick one for my own use...I'd probably go for the following in order (bearing in mind I own a blackberry):

1. Playbook
2. Xoom
3. iPad
4. Acer Iconia

 

[Papa P]

Yeah it can be to be honest, but because we got the Iconia with the keyboard/case it is so intuitive to type on the keyboard and touch the screen to select something. The Iconia was the standout of the Windows 7 devices by a mile! The others typically required a stylus/pen to be used which I cant stand.

I've now been asked to look at the iPad 2

 

[RuSZ]

After all this time ive finally just ordered myself a Blackberry Playbook

32GB WiFi Only 7inch.. All for £180

And ive just been reading how to sideload Android 3.1 onto it as well

 

[Magic Johnson]

Unlucky. Wouldn't use it as a doorstop.

 

[ChrisUK]

 

[RuSZ]

Unlucky. Wouldn't use it as a doorstop.

Unlucky? I wouldnt say so. Every time I used a Playbook its worked well and will do everything I want it to do perfectly. and for its price brand new still in the box, much cheaper than the Android equivilants with the same spec.

?? like using them dont you Chris

 

[Magic Johnson]

If you can get Android on it maybe it won't suck so much.

 

[RuSZ]

If you can get Android on it maybe it won't suck so much.

If its got the BB OS2.0 on it then its compatible with a majority of Android 2.3 apps. Plus i dont mind the BB OS.. never had issues trying it out and all i really want it for now is web browsing and watching movies. plus the best game is on BB (ANGRY BIRDS) KAAKAWW!!!!