Tablet vs. PC

jpmihalk wrote:
I have tested a number of tablets, from iPads to Androids to Windows 7 and 8 (RT and Pro.)

Then you're the guy to ask . . .

RVers typically do not have unlimited bandwidth. So to me a device heavily dependent on the Cloud (storage, software updates, etc) would not be a good buy.

Anyway, are the devices you've tested about the same in Cloud use?

Campfire Time wrote:
...
A tablet might be able to replace a laptop in many circumstances. It depends on your needs. I love tablets and view them as extensions of laptops/desktops. Here are the things that a tablet is excellent for:

• Internet Surfing
• E-mail
• Light gaming
• Books & Magazines

...

I agree with this list with this comment, tablets are excellent for reading forums or reading email but not so good for anything that requires typed input. Yes, you can get an external keyboard but using an external keyboard kinda defeats the purpose of a tablet in my mind.

TechWriter wrote:

RVers typically do not have unlimited bandwidth. So to me a device heavily dependent on the Cloud (storage, software updates, etc) would not be a good buy.

Anyway, are the devices you've tested about the same in Cloud use?

That's a good question, and I agree about the bandwidth limitations as I have seen some camp sites with LTE cell connections that are far better than WiFi, and others with no WiFi and spotty (if any) cellular data connections. I would not buy anything that depended on cloud storage or streaming.

Windows RT is pretty dependent on the Windows Store for app purchases and delivery of content, and I would avoid that as an RVer. iOS and Android devices are pretty much equal for cloud usage, and I consider them more mature than Win 8 RT. It's probably only a matter of time until MS catches up, though. The jury is still out on whether or not MS will continue to put resources into RT to compete in the consumer market.

We recently replaced our ASUS Netbooks with ASUS VivoTab Smart tablets and matching Bluetooth keyboards - under $450 each. Equivalent laptops were over $650 each. {CREDENTIALS: I'm retired from over 30 years in IT, lastly having been in charge of all back-office systems technology worldwide for the late General Motors.}

These units have a single USB OTG port (also used for recharging), a Micro SD card slot, & a mini HDMI port. What this means is that, once we got the appropriate cables (and a powered USB hub), we have virtually the same capabilities as our Netbooks. For ease of support, we keep DW & myself on identical machines.

DW uses hers for 1) E-mail and Web 2) Photo storage (Picasa) 3) Reading PDF e-books & 4) MS Office. I use mine for the same 1) 2) & 4), but also keep our financial records on Quicken & Neat Receipts, our medical billing history in Quicken Medical Billing Manager, & our RV records on RVers Notebook -- as old a Windows application as it goes (an Access database).

That's why we needed full W8 machines, not Android or RT.

Because we don't change our apps often, our major Cloud connectivity is 1) Web 2) Backups of our records -- less than 10 MB/day 3) Uploading to Picasa. We don't stream video, and we've never exceeded our MiFi's 5 GB limit.

So, if we change our backup strategy to use SD cards &/or a portable hard drive, all our Cloud usage is variable -- therefore, up to us to control! That's true, whether you're on a tablet, Netbook, or laptop!

thestoloffs wrote:
We recently replaced our ASUS Netbooks with ASUS VivoTab Smart tablets and matching Bluetooth keyboards - under $450 each. Equivalent laptops were over $650 each. {CREDENTIALS: I'm retired from over 30 years in IT, lastly having been in charge of all back-office systems technology worldwide for the late General Motors.}

These units have a single USB OTG port (also used for recharging), a Micro SD card slot, & a mini HDMI port. What this means is that, once we got the appropriate cables (and a powered USB hub), we have virtually the same capabilities as our Netbooks. For ease of support, we keep DW & myself on identical machines.

DW uses hers for 1) E-mail and Web 2) Photo storage (Picasa) 3) Reading PDF e-books & 4) MS Office. I use mine for the same 1) 2) & 4), but also keep our financial records on Quicken & Neat Receipts, our medical billing history in Quicken Medical Billing Manager, & our RV records on RVers Notebook -- as old a Windows application as it goes (an Access database).

That's why we needed full W8 machines, not Android or RT.

Because we don't change our apps often, our major Cloud connectivity is 1) Web 2) Backups of our records -- less than 10 MB/day 3) Uploading to Picasa. We don't stream video, and we've never exceeded our MiFi's 5 GB limit.

So, if we change our backup strategy to use SD cards &/or a portable hard drive, all our Cloud usage is variable -- therefore, up to us to control! That's true, whether you're on a tablet, Netbook, or laptop!

Do either of you ever use the touchscreen while working in the Win 8 desktop?

For that matter, do you ever use the touchscreen?

Pulser: "See the free program PhoneBrowse"

I didn't mean to suggest that you couldn't move files from an Ipad, just that it doesn't look like a HD in native form. I use dropbox to move files from the PC to the IOS. I have no need to move files from the Ipad to the PC.
I downloaded PhoneBrowse, but it doesn't look like something I would want to use.
If someone uses PhoneBrowse, they might want to also use AnyTran (same co. but not free) to move files easier, but I haven't tried it.

Not sure which windows programs you run. Our Surface Pro is a full fledged laptop computer with the same Windows 8 OS that laptops and desktop run. The only limitation is the native 64GB SSD that the OS takes a bite out of. You can add a microSD card for and additional 64GB storage. The camera is OK, but not great. Be happy to answer questions.

I think the OP would be interested in some specifics like, given that metro apps are not popular and that desktop apps are not set up well for touch, how useful is the W8 touchscreen at all?

It appears everyone here just jumps in and repeats the obvious things about tablets and MS OSs.

And MS Tabet boasts are silent on touchscreen usage

burlmart wrote:
And MS Tabet boasts are silent on touchscreen usage

What? Is this code or are you trying to make a point I completely missed?