If You Had To Buy A Tablet ?

never mind

My two centavos: I would get a tablet where the bootloader can be unlocked, and CyanogenMod installed on it. I still have a long-discontinued Nexus 7, and with the latest CM, it still runs quite well, especially as an e-reader.

Personally, using CM + NovaLauncher + SwiftKey is what I like having on all Android devices. This gives me a consistent user interface no matter what device I am using (so I don't have to relearn HTC Sense, Samsung's stuff, raw AOSP, or whatever the tablet maker chooses to sling at the user.)

Disclaimer: I'm a UNIX (Linux, OS X) type, and I tend to do things with a tablet that not that many people do (copy documents via ssh to another machine, or just use the tablet for RDP or VNC use over a VPN). Even though I am a registered Apple app developer, and have Mac code for public download on GitHub (mainly for watching the thermal pressure on the latest gen MBPs), I don't really tend to use iPads. The main reason is that jailbreaking them can severely weaken their security, while a rooted Android device has zero loss of security, especially with the latest security mechanisms (where apps cannot even ask for root unless they declare it in the permission manifest on the store.)

I don't know if this might help the OP, but being able to use a standard interface makes Android a lot less annoying.

pulsar wrote:

jplante4 wrote:
Just once I'd like to see someone start a thread about tablets or laptops and the iWeenies just skip over it... Maybe if we started the thread when the new iPhone is coming out, they're all in line at the Apple store.

I would like to see a thread like this one reach its conclusion without anyone making denigrating comments about other posters.
Tom

X2 Pulsar
I have a Surface 3 for work(I'm an Automation/Controls Engineer) that'll run Office and my various programming softwares, and works pretty well. But lets face it, it runs on Windows and has it's shortcomings with hardware drivers, malware, viruses, etc. My wife and kids have iPads which are simpler, easier and more reliable to use. I don't have to mess with them and the updates have always worked without issues. IMO, the extra money spent on a iPad is well worth it when it comes to the aggravation factor. My son uses Google Docs for school work and he hardly ever uses his laptop anymore.
My family might be iWeenies, but we are happier for it...

jplante4 wrote:
Just once I'd like to see someone start a thread about tablets or laptops and the iWeenies just skip over it... Maybe if we started the thread when the new iPhone is coming out, they're all in line at the Apple store.

I've had a Samsung Galaxy for a couple of years and the thing is pretty much bullet proof. Older version of Android with fewer features, but very usable. No built in WiFi tho...

I switched my cell service to Verizon and they gave me an Ellipsis tablet. Built in WiFi, 7 inch screen. It's low end, but hey the price was right. I use it mostly for Waze on the road.

I would like to see a thread like this one reach its conclusion without anyone making denigrating comments about other posters.

Tom

strollin wrote:
I used Android tablets for a few years and liked them fine but once I got a Windows tablet I stopped using the Android tablets completely. I can't see myself ever getting another Android tablet.

I really like the fact that I can run the exact same software on my Windows tablet that I run on my desktop and laptop. I run the same browser and the same Office software. Printing, file transfers and networking all work the same as my other Windows machines. Many Windows tablets have full size USB ports that work with any of my USB devices.

I have a MS Surface Pro 3 that cost well above the OP's budget but there are less expensive Windows tablets out there. I started out with a Dell Venue 8 Pro which cost around $300. Dell Venue 11 Pro - $349

Even with only limited time on it, I have said that already about a Windows tablet.

I used Android tablets for a few years and liked them fine but once I got a Windows tablet I stopped using the Android tablets completely. I can't see myself ever getting another Android tablet.

I really like the fact that I can run the exact same software on my Windows tablet that I run on my desktop and laptop. I run the same browser and the same Office software. Printing, file transfers and networking all work the same as my other Windows machines. Many Windows tablets have full size USB ports that work with any of my USB devices.

I have a MS Surface Pro 3 that cost well above the OP's budget but there are less expensive Windows tablets out there. I started out with a Dell Venue 8 Pro which cost around $300. Dell Venue 11 Pro - $349

My phone is Samsung S4
Samsung makes quality.electronics
My.camera is also Samsung

Just once I'd like to see someone start a thread about tablets or laptops and the iWeenies just skip over it... Maybe if we started the thread when the new iPhone is coming out, they're all in line at the Apple store.

I've had a Samsung Galaxy for a couple of years and the thing is pretty much bullet proof. Older version of Android with fewer features, but very usable. No built in WiFi tho...

I switched my cell service to Verizon and they gave me an Ellipsis tablet. Built in WiFi, 7 inch screen. It's low end, but hey the price was right. I use it mostly for Waze on the road.

az99 wrote:
I went with the Samsung Galaxy Tab E. $179. So far seems to do everything we wanted.Very easy setup without much bloatware.

Firefox for Android seems really strange. Have a lot to learn about Android and all of Google's spying tactics. :)

Now we can be like everyone else. Sit there with a tablet or smart phone and ignore everyone and everything in the room. :)

well, there's always the possibility you'll come to ignore the tablet and phone.

the galaxy is a quality device, for sure.

I went with the Samsung Galaxy Tab E. $179. So far seems to do everything we wanted.Very easy setup without much bloatware.

Firefox for Android seems really strange. Have a lot to learn about Android and all of Google's spying tactics. :)

Now we can be like everyone else. Sit there with a tablet or smart phone and ignore everyone and everything in the room. :)