Had a quick look, but not too sure about the repercussions of being at the mercy of Google for paid storage after the 2 free years.....what are your thoughts on that ?

 

Also, it tells me what I CAN use it for but would like to know what I CANT actually do on it ?

 

Thoughts anyone ?

 

Lynda

Had a quick look, but not too sure about the repercussions of being at the mercy of Google for paid storage after the 2 free years.....what are your thoughts on that ?

 

Also, it tells me what I CAN use it for but would like to know what I CANT actually do on it ?

 

Thoughts anyone ?

 

Lynda

 

Usually there is a free in-the-cloud service which is big enough for most purposes. You can do pretty much anything - so long as you have an internet connection. Without an internet connection the chromebooks cannot operate. You would also not be able to run certain programmes but there are usually free alternatives available (google docs instead of Word, eg).

 

I think they are good as a second computer but I like to have my trusty old desktop for particular tasks.

I dont think I can keep this laptop going much longer

 

Im not happy about jumping into the first generation Windows8 and the half tablet/half keyboard offerings......

plus they are more expensive.....

and plus I really just want an excuse to buy a tablet

 

I have read so many comparisons on tablets... and apart from the headaches its giving me.....it really has to be between the iPad and the Samsung 10 Tab....OR the Samsung 10 Note......

 

My phone is the Samsung Galaxy but I also have an iPod touch.

My instinctive loyalty is towards the Samsung though ......

 

Has anyone tried all three tablets and can give me some sensible unbiased advice on which is the best ......or at least the pros and cons of each?......please.....

 

Lynda

 

I love my Toshiba Portege R500 laptop which is/was the thinnest and lightest in the world, so is a good alternative to a tablet, offering full computer functionality but in an ultra-portable package (lightest spec is under 1kg and my "heavy" spec with optical drive and HDD is 1.3kg.

 

Just out of interest, I picked up a few days ago a Portege R400 which is one of those hybrid laptop/tablets,where the LCD twists and sits flat over the keyboard turning it into a touch screen tablet PC. Compared to my R500 the thing is like having an elephant on your lap! weighing in at 1.72kg with battery. What a difference 420g makes. But it's a beautifully designed machine with some unusual features..after using it for 2 days I just can't get used to writing with a tablet stylus pen and it takes aaages just to write a post with all the correcting character mistakes.

 

Unless that improves over time, I don't think tablets offer a viable alternative to a proper lightweight laptop with a functional keyboard, but maybe that's just me. I know some tablets have the virtual keyboards that appear on screen, but that comes at a cost of screen space, which is not good when you're operating on 10-11" screen most tablets have.

 

All that said, I absolutely love my Android HTC phone, I can happily use that for YouTube, shopping,quick emails etc..I like the voice recognition feature and the bar code scanning...but I wouldn't want to write anything substantial on it, far too fiddly. I also have a 4.5" Nokia n810 tablet which I seldom use now I have the HTC...that was pretty good for basic web but hopeless again for posting on forums etc, even with it's sliding out keyboard..my fingers are just too big for the dinky keys!

Edited November 25, 201213 yr by morphix

If you get an iPad Lynda, here is the ideal cover for it;)

 

[ATTACH]4483.vB[/ATTACH]

If you get an iPad Lynda, here is the ideal cover for it;)

 

[ATTACH=CONFIG]4483[/ATTACH]

 

You do know what you are.... dont you... .........and that pic is enough to put me right off iPads.....

 

Lynda

I love my Toshiba Portege R500 laptop which is/was the thinnest and lightest in the world, so is a good alternative to a tablet, offering full computer functionality but in an ultra-portable package (lightest spec is under 1kg and my "heavy" spec with optical drive and HDD is 1.3kg.

 

Just out of interest, I picked up a few days ago a Portege R400 which is one of those hybrid laptop/tablets,where the LCD twists and sits flat over the keyboard turning it into a touch screen tablet PC. Compared to my R500 the thing is like having an elephant on your lap! weighing in at 1.72kg with battery. What a difference 420g makes. But it's a beautifully designed machine with some unusual features..after using it for 2 days I just can't get used to writing with a tablet stylus pen and it takes aaages just to write a post with all the correcting character mistakes.

 

Unless that improves over time, I don't think tablets offer a viable alternative to a proper lightweight laptop with a functional keyboard, but maybe that's just me. I know some tablets have the virtual keyboards that appear on screen, but that comes at a cost of screen space, which is not good when you're operating on 10-11" screen most tablets have.

 

All that said, I absolutely love my Android HTC phone, I can happily use that for YouTube, shopping,quick emails etc..I like the voice recognition feature and the bar code scanning...but I wouldn't want to write anything substantial on it, far too fiddly. I also have a 4.5" Nokia n810 tablet which I seldom use now I have the HTC...that was pretty good for basic web but hopeless again for posting on forums etc, even with it's sliding out keyboard..my fingers are just too big for the dinky keys!

 

The problem I have Paul is that I seem to be 'at war' with myself.....

 

My 'sensible' side says get a new laptop for just the reasons you state ie....easier for emails with a proper keyboard etc.....

but....

My 'crazy desire for gadgets' side says get an iPad just cos I like them and would love to have one.....and I just love touchscreens.....they are just so

 

I will report on the outcome of the war when the 'peacemakers' have had their final say in my brain

 

Lynda

The problem I have Paul is that I seem to be 'at war' with myself.....

 

My 'sensible' side says get a new laptop for just the reasons you state ie....easier for emails with a proper keyboard etc.....

but....

My 'crazy desire for gadgets' side says get an iPad just cos I like them and would love to have one.....and I just love touchscreens.....they are just so

 

I will report on the outcome of the war when the 'peacemakers' have had their final say in my brain

 

Lynda

 

If you're on a budget, here's a suggestion... get yourself a lightweight laptop or netbook from an ex-corp refurb outlet on the cheap (that's what I did with my Toshiba R500) you'll pay only about £130-£160, approx 10% of the normal retail value and you often get one mint condition with just the odd mark.. then use all the money you save to get yourself a good tablet... best of both worlds ;-)

 

There's a couple of outlets for the laptops (and they sell tablets too) the best one is Tier1 but you can also find AMSDirect on eBay that sell some. The good thing about buying from these firms rather than buying off private eBay users is that you get 3 months warranty and everything is checked over...any probs or it's not to your liking, they'll change it or refund in 7 days. I've bought 2 Toshiba R500's from Tier1 and found the service excellent. When I complained about some wear on keys and ram not being to spec, they just sent me brand new parts free.

Thanks Paul ...I am on tier1 as we speak

 

Lynda

Save time, trouble and expense... Just get the iPad

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Lynda

 

Apple products have always attracted me from a design standpoint, and I must agree they have done a fantastic sales pitch to make the masses crave their products but they are NOT superior technology.

In the early days of the ipod a friend had 3 because the battery kept failing - he was charged £99 to change the battery (what they actually did was replace it and it came back without all his music).

 

 

I want a tablet that stores films, images from my camera, off-line mapping, skype, browsing, etc with a good battery life and if possible a keyboard.

 

Yes the iPad is a good piece of kit, but limited in many ways:

 

Can I connect my camera/usb devices to transfer data? - usb port (no sir, but we sell an adaptor for another £30)

 

Can I connect to my tv to watch said films/show holiday snaps? (no sir, but we sell an adaptor for another £30)

 

Can I increase base memory? - NO

 

Max battery life? - 8hrs

 

Why do I get black bands top/bottom of screen? - incorrect screen ratio for films

 

As I have said the iPad is a nice piece of kit, but I couldn't live with its limitations.

 

-----------------------------------------------------

My choice was the ASUS Transformer for reasons below:

 

Android operating system

Operating speed matches iPad

Graphics matches iPad

higher pixel density than iPad (in reality you'll never see difference, its just hype)

Camera front and back still/HD video (main one higher resolution than iPad)

micro SD port (expandable to 32gb)

SD port (also expandable to 32gb)

mini HDMI

2xUSB2 ports

GPS

Motion sensors

Keyboard/dock (protects screen when attached)

15hrs battery (8hrs in tablet- 7hrs in removable keyboard/dock)

TV/Cinema Screen ratio

wifi/bluetooth (3G version if required)

 

Benefits that I like are:

The full keyboard - when attached it operates as a netbook. There is a mousepad, I can add a usb mouse or still use the touch screen or any combination.

Connectability, via usb, HDMI or sd ports.

Charging my phone/mp4 player/etc via the usb ports when away from home - only need to take the one ASUS charger.

I bought the cheaper 16gb version and added a 32gb microSD.

Download free maps to work off-line with the inbuilt GPS - have all UK, France, Spain and New Zealand (These zoom in down to street level too, not large scale road route maps).

 

My Boss has everything Apple and brought his iPad in to compare with the ASUS - he agreed with all the points made above and loved the bronze metalise look and feel of the ASUS, but departed saying "I'm still keeping my iPad!!"

 

The ASUS was my considered choice, but as everything, development doesn't stand still.

All i'm saying is make sure you carefully match you requirements with the product and don't get carried away with the hype.

Thanks colonel, I must admit I do have an aversion to the whole 'apple' thing for lots of the reasons you have mentioned, but I did prefer the feel of the iPad over the Samsung tablet.....however, I hadnt even considered the Asus......looks like its back to more cogitating .....I bet everyone will be relieved when I finally put up the money and shut up !! :o

 

Lynda

have you considered the kindle Fire HD? £159. my mother has one and raves over it!

have you considered the kindle Fire HD? £159. my mother has one and raves over it!

 

Nice machine for the money but if you think a Apple is locked into what Apple want to let you have wait till you try the Kindle.

have you considered the kindle Fire HD? £159. my mother has one and raves over it!

 

No Paul...I think thats really more just an upmarket kindle and I want something to replace my laptop.

Im looking into the Asus Transformer and also the Samsung tab......will have to just keep looking for now until I get the m/home sorted and also my tv is playing up now...the colour is going crazy.

Never rains but it pours....

 

Lynda

Have you decided yet Lyn?

 

This is the transformer laptop I have:

 

[video=youtube_share;ZAyLrRDpcSw]http://youtu.be/ZAyLrRDpcSw

 

It's a bit beefy and I expect you're after something lady-like and portable? Else I might be selling this Toshiba Portege R400 soon for a bargain price if yer interested.. it's brand new...well refurbished "new"... from Toshiba... full warranty with THREE new batteries, including a mega big one.. Has Vista Ultimate installed..

Edited December 4, 201213 yr by morphix

Try and catch me on skype tonight paul, or PM me.....

 

Lynda

Try and catch me on skype tonight paul, or PM me.....

 

Lynda

 

I did say MIGHT though I'm becoming rather fond of this funky looking thing, which looks like something off the set of Star Wars. I would probably never use it, but its nice to look at! I have no idea how much these things cost, have a look on eBay and make me a reasonable offer if you like ;-)

 

There's also the IBM/Lenovo x60 hybrid tablet laptop being sold on eBay and elsewhere for around £100-£130..

 

P.S. My Portege R400 Has 4GB of RAM (upgraded by Toshiba from the usual 2GB), 12" screen, which is not finger touch sensitive like a tablet..you have to use a stylus pen.. The weight is 1.7kg with standard-sized battery, 1.3kg without any battery running off mains.

Edited December 4, 201213 yr by morphix

I bet everyone will be relieved when I finally put up the money and shut up !! :o

 

Lynda

 

You're nowhere near as bad as me, I have been known to take a year before I decide to buy something..by the time I decide, new technology has come out Seriously though, I think one shouldn't rush into these purchases..do your homework and read some reviews on Amazon etc.. I suppose you can always send something back if you buy new though and really don't like it.

I am almost certainly gonna get the ASUS Nexus 7 32GB Alle tablets bestel online bij Saturn

and use this maybe, How to read eBooks on Nexus 7.

At 249euro thats a good deal but i will go tomorow and have a real good look at them the I-pad mini looks good though.

one down side seems to be that they are crap in bright sunlight.

one down side seems to be that they are crap in bright sunlight.

 

My nokia n810 tablet has transflective LCD it works great in bright sunlight, I used it on my bike a bit, but the GPS on it sucks, too weak..pity else it would be an outstanding Linux tablet, with slide-out keyboard too.

I also have an 810 its a bit slow now as most smart phones are pretty good, though its open source that i miss, I got it for when I travel for banking etc.I dont need a tablet just want one for christmas have to buy my own presents nowdays sad.

I also have an 810 its a bit slow now as most smart phones are pretty good, though its open source that i miss, I got it for when I travel for banking etc.I dont need a tablet just want one for christmas have to buy my own presents nowdays sad.

 

Yeah it does look a little dated I guess compared to Android..videos is slow and Web videos is a bit rare..I still think it's a beautiful little machine though hardware wise, very well designed in every detail..they really did think of everything eh? The slide out keyboard very slick..and light sensor on the keyboard to turn on backlighting on keys..self-adjusting LCD backlight to save power..even a little stand! the only thing I have trouble with on mine is the charging.. I don't know if I got a dodgy battery or there's some knack to it, but I can never get the thing to charge! The little charging icon thing never comes up when put adaptor in...I have to fiddle with it, press the start button etc a few times, and hold it, then it starts..seems a bit random!

 

I'm trying to get a webcam to work on mine.. I've seen it can be done but you have to mod the kernel and install a driver.

Edited December 4, 201213 yr by morphix