Help me find a 10" tablet

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jamsomito

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Aug 29, 2010
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Just a bit out of date here. Did some research, but I know I'm missing a lot including current tablets and hype for tablets just around the corner that are worth waiting for.

Usage:
Mostly web browsing.
News apps, productivity apps, and games will be used quite a bit too.
I'll be viewing photos a lot, but couldn't care less about the camera.
SD card is a bonus, but don't really care too much.
1920x1080+ res preferred.

OS:
I'm used to Android and have quite a bit of Google Play bucks to use (but I have an Android Phone)
I really like Windows 8, but I don't know if I'd be shooting myself in the foot with it. Are there enough apps to make it worthwhile?
I don't want iOS.

Current short list:
Sony Xperia Tablet Z
Google Nexus 10
Asus Transformer Pad Infinity
Microsoft Surface Pro
Lenovo ThinkPad Tablet 2

At the price point of some of these, would it be better to find a touch-capable ultrabook?
 
Maybe I'll add: I want Windows 8, but if that's not a viable option for whatever reason, then I'll go for an Android tablet.
 
If you're going to get a x86 Win8 tablet, I'd wait for Haswell based ones. If I were in your shoes, I'd probably wait for Surface Pro 2 and then get the dock accessory so I could hook it up to a monitor/kb/mouse and use it for regular PC work.
 
The problem with Windows 8 for a tablet is resolution or cost for the Surface Pro and lack of apps. The Nexus 10 doesn't have a microsd, but I believe both the Sony and Asus do. I like my Nexus 10. I also have a 11.6 Asus x202e. Its OK, but I find myself using the Nexus 10 the most.

If you save your photos on web, you can view them without needing that much space. You can also use an adapter to read them using the microusb slot on the Androids.
 
Thanks guys.

Looks like the surface 2 is rumored to be out next June? Is that right? If so I don't want to wait that long. Any idea what the timeframe is for other haswell Win8 devices?

On the android lines... I'm used to unlocking, rooting, and installing custom ROMs. Any particular tablets better or worse for this?
 
jamsomito said:
Thanks guys.

Looks like the surface 2 is rumored to be out next June? Is that right? If so I don't want to wait that long. Any idea what the timeframe is for other haswell Win8 devices?

On the android lines... I'm used to unlocking, rooting, and installing custom ROMs. Any particular tablets better or worse for this?
Click to expand...

Surface 2 supposed to be out in October with release of Win8.1
 
That would make sense. I was trying to find the source that said June but I couldn't. I'm just losing my mind.

Thanks.
 
Surface 2 uses Tegra 4, and there are faster GPUs out there if gaming is important, especially at 1080p+ resolutions.
 
Perhaps. The games I play are adventure games or 2D puzzle games mostly so I'm not extremely concerned with the GPU. The Surface Pro 2 would be using Intel HD graphics which would be more than enough for my purposes. I can hold out till mid Oct to try them out beforehand.

I guess mentioning games as a requirement was more a concern of availability than performance of the tablet. Obviously i want good specs, but if theres only 5 games on the windows store it might sway me back to android.
 
You should probably wait for the Nexus 10 refresh (assuming there is one, of course) and the Galaxy Note 10.1 2014 Edition.

For now, steer clear of Windows 8 tablets. There are relatively few tablet-native apps, and right now the choices are between slow tablets (any current ARM- or Atom-based models) or expensive, thick devices with low battery life (Surface Pro, for example). I'm not convinced that the Surface sequels will change things all that much. If you like Windows 8, it'd be better to get an Ultrabook like the upcoming Lenovo Yoga 2 Pro.

Also, why no iOS? It'd make sense to choose Android if you simply want to take advantage of the apps you know from your smartphone, of course. But it seems odd to intentionally avoid the platform when it would do most everything you're asking at least as well as (and frequently better than) Android and Windows 8. The iPad typically has more and better tablet-native apps, and you'll definitely find productivity apps there.
 
I picked up a Dell Latitude 10 refurb for $240 a couple weeks back. Compared to my Android phone the app selection is terrible. But is is fast enough for what I need and the 720p screen is tolerable. For the price I am happy with my purchase.


If you were looking for a 7" tablet it would be easy to recommend the 2013 Nexus 7. No 10" tablets stand out quite as much as the 7.
 
Well, the wife has an iPad already. Personally, I don't care for the locked down mentality of Apple, not to mention they use a proprietary development model. The markups on their products are crazy, and I'd rather not be drawn into the youre-not-cool-if-you-dont-own-apple crowd:

1faEnTz.jpg


I like the customizability of android, and I'm used to the interface when it comes down to it.
 
Of those I prefer the Sony Xperia Tablet Z.

It is the thinnest and lightest, no major downsides and had MicroSD slot and an IR blaster.

Though I am leaning toward the new LG G tab 8.3". Aiming at the biggest screen you can hold in one hand (also has MicroSD/IR Blaster).
 
Looks like it might be worth waiting for the new Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1. Bummer we don't know a release date yet. Would also be nice to see some more detailed reviews with comparisons, etc.
 
Have you looked at the Nook HD+? It's got everything you want for less than $150. B&N sells them at a loss - no other Android tablet can compete on price alone. Really, the only downsides are the lack of a camera and the proprietary charging/USB/HDMI interface. If you can deal with no camera, it's easily worth the price. I guess it's technically a 9", but the bezel is somewhat thick. It's roughly the same form factor as a 10" tablet.
 
Not sure what apps you need. There's more in the Windows Store than many realize, yes well behind iOS and Android but not void of decent apps either. Also consider that many of the apps in both the iOS and Android market as wrappers around web sites, particularly to deal with the lack of Flash support on those OSes which 8 has.

There's going to be a lot of devices in the coming months, certainly will be a good time to buy even if you go with Android.
 
CEpeep said:
Have you looked at the Nook HD+?
Click to expand...
I have not, but its compelling. I'll give it a look. Thanks.

heatlesssun said:
Not sure what apps you need. There's more in the Windows Store than many realize, yes well behind iOS and Android but not void of decent apps either. Also consider that many of the apps in both the iOS and Android market as wrappers around web sites, particularly to deal with the lack of Flash support on those OSes which 8 has.
Click to expand...

Thats reassuring. From what im hearing, RT is crippled and/or slow (due to the hardware its designed to run on), and 8 isn't quite ready for prime time. Can you recommend any full windows 8 devices (or RT for that matter)?
 
jamsomito said:
Thats reassuring. From what im hearing, RT is crippled and/or slow (due to the hardware its designed to run on), and 8 isn't quite ready for prime time. Can you recommend any full windows 8 devices (or RT for that matter)?
Click to expand...

I understand that Windows 8 is a very contentious issue but I think it's very flexible and is pretty good on tablets particularly if you want use desktop apps on a tablet and there are quite a few tablet users that do.

There should be a number of Bay Trail 10" 8.1 tablets coming out in the next couple of months. Since none are out now there's nothing to recommend. But Intel's Developer Forum is this week and there should be a number of announcements of coming hardware, both Windows and Android x86.
 
jamsomito said:
From what im hearing, RT is crippled and/or slow (due to the hardware its designed to run on), and 8 isn't quite ready for prime time.
Click to expand...
8.1 is close. I expect app availability will improve, but I don't expect it to improve by leaps and bounds over the coming months. In terms of how it works as a tablet OS: it works well. IE11 is still not quite what you want as a web browser in its Metro context, but it delivers a fairly good browsing experience. If they can keep banging out gradual improvements on it, it'll eventually be comparable to Mobile Safari or Chrome.
 
What do mobile Safari and Chrome do that's significantly better than Metro IE 11? One nice thing IE does support is Flash and it's not a battery killer. Also HTML 5 video has very good support, Netflix HTML 5 video is supported in IE 11.
 
I would wait we are only about a month or 2 away from multiple releases. People gotta get new stuff out for the holidays.

As for ultra books, honestly there is little difference what do you want? i86 tablets are nothing more than ultrabooks, so if you don't want to hold it like a tablet then sure get an ultra book, if you are not married to either form factor just spring for the best deal and save your bucks. After all these tablets and ultrabooks are very disposable.
 
Wait. Nexus 10 refresh and Samsung galaxy tab 3 plus should be announced soon. I'm looking to get a 2650 Res android, want LTE and AOSP support so that it'll get AOKP eventually. The 2014 note 10 was shown at IFA as well...the pleather back disgusts me though
 
I don't think there will be a galaxy 3 tab plus. That rumor was essentially using the specs/images for the new Galaxy Note 10.
 
Alright, thanks everyone. I'm fine with waiting a couple months for all the rehashes to land. Sounds like there's some really good hardware right around the corner.

In the meantime, I'm going to go play around with some Win8 devices like the surface to see if it's something I can actually stick with for a long period of time (someone mentioned tablets are disposable... I somewhat agree, but $500+ for me is not anyway, so I expect to have this around for maybe 4 years or so).

Now that I think about it, I think I'm drawn to Win8 tablets because I like the way the OS handles side-by-side multitasking. I'm interested to see how the Note 10.1 works with its windowing capabilities too.
 
I just got the Samsung Note 10.1 @ Sam's Club for $450 w/ 90 day return policy.
The Note 10 has a pressure sensitive stylus & I wanted to draw stuff.

I bought local so I could "test drive" and return it if it sucked - BUTT I LOVE IT!
Got it w/ Sam's Club Credit Card w/ $20 off (big whoop, but it covered some sales tax).

I have an iPad 1 and it is OK, but so limited & heavy.
I never tried real hard to figure out how to multi-task w/ it & be productive.
All I ever really used it for was Netflix & Youtube & reading & comics.

For me - the iPad was totally a device used to consume content.
I can actually create stuff on the Note 10 + split pane / multi-task is awesome.

I've had my Note 10 for 3 days & mostly watched Youtube & no Netflix.
I was also running SketchBook Pro w/ Youtube and it was plenty smooth.
I tried several games too & only one made it jittery but I had other apps open too.

I totally love this thing & can add an SD card eventually.
+ I already have the 5" Note 2 phone / phablet so using the 10 is seamless vs iPad.

The Note 8 is a great feeling size if your just a reader / watcher.
It's too small for me because I wanted to draw on it & I wish I could have gotten a 12".
 
Has anyone tried the Chinese tablets? They are quite a bit cheaper, all have SD card support, and they also have decent specs, although support/build quality will be worse.
 
MrCrispy said:
Has anyone tried the Chinese tablets? They are quite a bit cheaper, all have SD card support, and they also have decent specs, although support/build quality will be worse.
Click to expand...

I've used several of these in the past, but I think their ship has sailed. Even razor-thin margins from China can't compete with Barnes and Noble selling their superior hardware at a loss. The amount of well-made equipment still taking up store inventory and being sold dirt cheap pretty much means no room for anything with poor build quality.
 
MrCrispy said:
Has anyone tried the Chinese tablets? They are quite a bit cheaper, all have SD card support, and they also have decent specs, although support/build quality will be worse.
Click to expand...

Several people in my family have bought them from places like Big Lots. Generally stuff to avoid unless you just want something disposable like for a trip or something.
 
I had an iPad for a while and I realized I never used it for anything except browsing/email and the occasional video on youtube. Which I guess is 90% of a tablet usage. I tried a bunch of apps/games but most of them don't do anything special and in many cases you can go to their website.

So if I can save $100 with a Chinese tablet, it lasts a few years and saves me $100, that will be worth it.
 
I had a Chinese WM8850 tablet I got for free from my grandpa who couldn't figure out how to use it. It definitely came from overseas because I did a factory format and there were 2 default apps with symbols instead of english letters... I think he got it on QVC or something and decided to jump on the tech bandwagon for cheap. That's exactly what it was. Cheap. Plastic everything, it felt like it was going to shatter if I dropped it (if I didn't break it in half in a fleeting moment of frustration in a game). It was marginally usable because of the processor speed and slow screen response time. If all you do is surf the web, I guess it did that, but I wasn't too pleased with the experience.

Oh, and the latest firmware from the manufacturer had a trojan virus in it. Classy.

I'm done with cheap Chinese tablets. Plus, I'm starting to get worried about eye strain from how much I'm on my phone and my PC screen. I want a 10" for sure, and preferably something that doesn't appear different to each eye at a 5deg angle.
 
I just realized I can get the educator's discount on the Surface RT. Anyone think this device is worth it for $200?

linky
 
jamsomito said:
I just realized I can get the educator's discount on the Surface RT. Anyone think this device is worth it for $200?

linky
Click to expand...

$200 doesn't seem like a bad deal. Worst case, you use it and find out whether or not you like Win8 tablets and sell it if you don't like it for what you paid for it.
 
Ok, well now I'm a bit confused. The Surface 2 doesn't have any apps, the Surface Pro 2 is expensive (and doesn't have any metro apps), and the Note 10.1 seems to have a sub-par user experience, despite the killer specs.

Check out the lag in this video between 3:20 and 3:30. That would drive me crazy.
 
What? Of course the Surface Pro 2 can run Metro apps. It can do everything.

Also, that rotation lag now plagues iOS devices in version 7. (My iPad 3, at least.)
 
Megalith said:
What? Of course the Surface Pro 2 can run Metro apps. It can do everything.

Also, that rotation lag now plagues iOS devices in version 7. (My iPad 3, at least.)
Click to expand...

Sorry, I should have clarified. I meant there aren't many apps available (currently), same as the Surface 2. The fact that the Pro can do anything is what really draws me to it though. I'm a sucker for features and the sense of "productivity."

The rotation lag is one thing, but the flipping through homescreens and widgets is just awful... more around 3:25-27 ish.
 
Megalith said:
What? Of course the Surface Pro 2 can run Metro apps. It can do everything.

Also, that rotation lag now plagues iOS devices in version 7. (My iPad 3, at least.)
Click to expand...

Correct me if I am wrong, but I believe it was said iOS 7 was only optimized for iphones and ipods so far, and that it was recommended to avoid installing on ipads until Apple actually released an update so that iOS7 would properly work with ipads.
 
leh18621 said:
Correct me if I am wrong, but I believe it was said iOS 7 was only optimized for iphones and ipods so far, and that it was recommended to avoid installing on ipads until Apple actually released an update so that iOS7 would properly work with ipads.
Click to expand...

My wife got an update on her iPad , pretty sure it came from apple. Lol she isn't capable of finding that on her own to install it.
 
He meant that iOS 7 may be available for download, but it's really only been tested for iPhone 5S. And I believe it. They had to make sure it was out in time for the new iPhone release.

Going back to Surface discussion, I don't think there is a better option than the Pro 2. I mean, what are the potential negatives?

Metro app store sucks? Who cares, the Pro is about desktop apps.

It's too expensive? Too heavy? Well, it has the guts of a PC, a hyper-responsive digitizer, great build quality, and a high-res screen.

The 16:9 ratio sucks? It's hard to use on your lap? Those are small nit-picks.

I honestly can't wait to get mine and finally utilize a full-fledged desktop environment away from home.
 
Megalith said:
He meant that iOS 7 may be available for download, but it's really only been tested for iPhone 5S.
Click to expand...

It would have had thousands of hours of testing on all devices before it was released for public consumption.
 
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