Advice on a Tablet versus laptop

Oldgirl and Staffy
Oldgirl and Staffy Forum Participant Posts: 414
edited February 2016 in Entertainment #1

My family have persuaded me to get a tablet rather than tow our bulky laptop around in the motorhome when we go away.  I have looked at the Amazon Fire which is quite cheap but seems very limited in what it can do and I cannot afford an iPad.

I was thinking of perhaps getting a Windows tablet and would welcome any advice or opinions on Android versus Windows as well as possibles to buy.

 

Comments

  • milliehull
    milliehull Forum Participant Posts: 4,756 ✭✭✭
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    edited February 2016 #2

    I have a samsung tablet which I love.  It is about the size of the mini iPad so fits neatly into my handbag if I need to take it when we are travelling.  Mr H bought it for me a couple of years ago in John Lewis.  I cant compare it with a windows tablet
    as I have never used one.

  • Whittakerr
    Whittakerr Club Member Posts: 3,472 ✭✭✭✭
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    edited February 2016 #3

    My son has a samsung  tablet and it meets all his needs. I have an iPad and after using both I think the iPad is more user freindly, but that may be its because that's what I'm used to. people at work say it's personal preference which operating system you go for, most tablets will meet most people's needs in terms of functionality and available apps. good luck with whichever option you go for.

  • rogher
    rogher Forum Participant Posts: 609
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    edited February 2016 #4

    I would first ask what you use your laptop for and than check whether it can be done on your proposed platform. You may need new or different software.

    Your laptop doesn’t have to be large and may be cheaper for the same spec of a tablet. Some of the software I use will not run on a tablet and I don’t much care for touch screens. I prefer a keyboard and mouse, and don’t need another ‘camera’.

  • moulesy
    moulesy Forum Participant Posts: 9,402 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    edited February 2016 #5

    Mrs M has a Samsung and (after much resistance) I have a Lenovo tablet. Both are Android and  both do everything wewant them do do. Absolutely fine for all basic stuff, even watching catch up TV for half an hour or so. Wouldn't want to use them for streaming films though, think you'd want a larger screen for that.

    The only problem I had when I bought mine was that my Norton anti-virus for Windows wasn't compatible with Android, but that was solved by buying their latest update which works on both and was incredibly efficiently installed for me through one free phone call to Norton. Wouldn't be without it when away from home now! Happy. Use left and right arrows to navigate.

  • taffyY
    taffyY Forum Participant Posts: 326
    edited February 2016 #6

    I love my iPad but have no other tablet to compare it with!

  • HelenandTrevor
    HelenandTrevor Forum Participant Posts: 3,221
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    edited February 2016 #7

    I have a Samsung tablet which is great,  it's small and great for taking with me as it fits in my bag. I do still like the laptop,  and still use it at home though.

  • surburban2000
    surburban2000 Forum Participant Posts: 84
    edited February 2016 #8

    I think laptop cos its easyer and it wont break in the MH ASUS is a good one it has windows
    CoolKissJ&I

  • kevine
    kevine Forum Participant Posts: 62
    edited February 2016 #9

    You get what you pay for .  try and scape up a bit more for the windows surface or a ipad ,  there again if you are only going to look at facebook or flea bay when your away, then the cheapies will do .

  • DavidKlyne
    DavidKlyne Club Member Posts: 13,859 ✭✭✭
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    edited February 2016 #10

    I have an iPad mini which can be handy but no substitute for a laptop in my view. You can get convertable laptops where you turn the screen over to form a tablet, my HP does that. If you go down the tablet route just be aware that there are not as many apps available for Windows system although I suppose that will improve in time. At the end of the day it will depend on what you intend using it for.

    David

  • Oldgirl and Staffy
    Oldgirl and Staffy Forum Participant Posts: 414
    edited February 2016 #11

    Thanks for letting me know your experiences.  My laptop is great but by the time it is in its case with charger and mouse plus a couple of other accessories it is quite bulky and large.  Hence the desire to think about a tablet.    I think I will wait until
    I'm back in the UK and take a trip to Currys to try a bit of 'hand on'.

  • milliehull
    milliehull Forum Participant Posts: 4,756 ✭✭✭
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    edited February 2016 #12

    My tablet is not a substitute for my laptop. I use it  when we are away and for a quick catch up when sitting on the settee in the evenings (like nowSmile )
    but I still use my laptop for day to day stuff espdcially when I need to print.

  • cyberyacht
    cyberyacht Forum Participant Posts: 10,218
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    edited February 2016 #13

    Even a tablet needs a charger. Some of these 10-11" Netbooks are quite compact. Personally, I do like a keyboard.

  • Boff
    Boff Forum Participant Posts: 1,742
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    edited February 2016 #14

    Not convinced about a tablet for doing work. But great for playing with.  This is being posted on an iPad. But I bought my Wife an 8'" Kindle  fire HD.  Got say I am impressed with it.   Is it as good as an iPad no but is it good enough to watch Tv or surf
    or email or God forbid read a book on it then yes I think it is. 

  • Kennine
    Kennine Forum Participant Posts: 3,472
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    edited February 2016 #15

    I have a home PC, a Laptop and a Tablet. I always take the tablet ( HTC running Android ) when going away in the van. The Laptop is much more comprehensive and faster but the Tablet is more convenient.

    They all have their strengths and drawbacks, but for holiday use I much prefer the Tablet. 

    K

     

  • milliehull
    milliehull Forum Participant Posts: 4,756 ✭✭✭
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    edited February 2016 #16

    Yes Kennine, that is exactly what I do. PC, laptop and tablet.  All very good in their own way and yes the tablet is much better for holiday use.

  • huskydog
    huskydog Club Member Posts: 5,460 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    edited February 2016 #17

    Wouldn't be with my I-pad , nothing else comes close 

    P.S , is this in the right section , I thought this section was about TV, Film and Music ???

  • brue
    brue Forum Participant Posts: 21,176 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    edited February 2016 #18

    We use an android tablet (a small keyboard can be attached) plus a laptop. When we're away we tend to use our phones.

  • Tammygirl
    Tammygirl Club Member Posts: 7,957 ✭✭✭
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    edited February 2016 #19

    My tablet is not a substitute for my laptop. I use it  when we are away and for a quick catch up when sitting on the settee in the evenings (like nowSmile )
    but I still use my laptop for day to day stuff espdcially when I need to print.

    Same here, the tablet is fine for taking away with us on flights its a godsend. I have music, books, and even a few tv programs that I have downloaded, I have a few word games that I can play with and its okay for emails etc. I have a Samsung 7" I wouldn't
    be without my laptop though as i can type much faster and use it for many more tasks than the tablet, each has its uses.

  • Oldgirl and Staffy
    Oldgirl and Staffy Forum Participant Posts: 414
    edited February 2016 #20

    Wouldn't be with my I-pad , nothing else comes close 

    P.S , is this in the right section , I thought this section was about TV, Film and Music ???

    ...This category is 'Entertainment' and it seemed the most appropriate place to post for advice on a tablet..

  • Oldgirl and Staffy
    Oldgirl and Staffy Forum Participant Posts: 414
    edited February 2016 #21

    PS:  I've decided on a Sony Xperia 10 inch tablet with Android rather than Windows.  Hope it will be OK.

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