Forum Discussion

rmmpe's avatar
rmmpe
Explorer
Oct 07, 2013

Tablet: Windows or Droid?

Excuse my ignorance but I'd like to know a little more of whether I should buy a tablet having a Windows or Android operating system. My plan is to use for e-mail, browsing and programs such as Word, Excell, photo editing, forum participation, etc.
May I ask for opinions regarding what my choice should be?
  • If you're looking to use your tablet in lieu of your laptop or desktop, then going with a Windows tablet is a no-brainer. I always have my laptop with me on the road and do use it for work-related software, but everything else I can readily do on my Android tablet. Boots up much quicker, can access all my favorite apps, websites, videos, music, and pictures faster, plus the dual cameras makes the device so much fun. Quite often the laptop won't even see the light of day on many trips with the smartphone and tablet onboard, just sits in its travel case mostly. Do get a quality unit if choosing an Andtoid tablet as the low end units are plagued with functionality issues.
  • wildtoad wrote:
    If you really want a tablet that can run Microsoft applications then I'd stick with a Windows based tablet. Most tablets can read word and excel files but if you want to create or update them they leave a bit to be desired. ...

    IMO, the only reason that content creation is lacking on a tablet is due to the absence of a mouse and keyboard. If you use the tablet with a mouse and keyboard then it will be able to create and update office files as well as a laptop.
  • I am using a Samsung Tablet to send this message.It is a droid and I am quite pleased with it .
  • For web browsing, word, excel and other light duty tasks I can guarantee you will be very happy with a windows 8 tablet.

    I have an android tablet it worked well when it worked.
    The thing that drove me nuts with android on a tablet were the web browsers.
    The crashing and sluggishness were quite irritating YMMV.
    Android does have quite a few browser choices however.

    If you decide on a wintab might I suggest the Lenovo Lynx.
    The Lenovo is worth a look.
  • If you really want a tablet that can run Microsoft applications then I'd stick with a Windows based tablet. Most tablets can read word and excel files but if you want to create or update them they leave a bit to be desired. My next device will be a IPad for daily use. I will keep my Windows laptop for any letter/spreadsheet work using Libre Office.
  • While you can't run Windows Office software on an Android tablet, there are apps available that can read and write MS Office compatible files so that they are interchangeable between your PC and the tablet.

    If you absolutely need to run Word or Excel then you will need a Windows tablet in order to do that. There are 2 different types of Windows tablets, those that run the full Windows OS (Win 8) and those that run the RT version of Windows 8. The ones that can run the full Windows OS can (for the most part, there are exceptions) run all of your existing Windows software whereas those that run the RT version can only run apps downloaded from the MS app store.
  • DW has an android tablet and is very pleased. Windows based tablets are not being supported nearly to the extent that iPad or android are.
  • I would go with Android or iPad. Not many apps for Windows tablets. You could even go with iPod Touch.
  • If you want something for MS programs, get a windows tablet. At least they will sync woth your desktop

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