iPad/iPad 2/other tablets...what can you tell me?

[1992casey]

I just scored a Nexus 7 for Chrimbus. For $199, the thing is awesome. I really like its portability compared to my wife's iPad. It's big enough to work as a tablet, and small enough to be an E-reader and fit in a coat pocket.

 

A 7" tablet would be slightly more pocket-friendly than the iPad Mini. However, unlike a phone, it still won't fit into every pocket. I have a couple of lightweight fleece jackets whose pockets hold the Mini. They're good options as they're wearable indoors without making you look like you haven't bothered to remove your coat, and they're also wearable under a winter coat. I hear that the 7" form factor is especially popular with women, probably because they fit into a lot of purses.

 

 

The Nexus 7 is super awesome.

 

If I understand things correctly, products labeled "Nexus" offer a "pure" Android experience that should hopefully eliminate bloatware. "Pure" Android should also deliver software updates more quickly as they wouldn't be held up by manufacturers and carriers.

 

 

if you already have an iPhone it probably doesn't make sense to go outside of your current ecosystem unless you are interested in a switch across the board.

 

Yeah, once you buy an app, it's good for installation on all of your devices, provided that the device supports it. Universal apps are designed for both iPhone and iPad and give you an optimal experience on both devices. iPad-only apps are designed especially to take advantage of the iPad's screen, and won't run on iPhones. iPhone apps can run on iPads, but the experience suffers a bit. They default to the size of the phone screen but can be doubled in size to use most of the iPad's screen.

 

I have a handful of iPhone apps on my iPad because their developers don't offer a specific iPad alternative. They're all free; I don't think I'd pay for one of these. However, if you already purchased the app for your phone, the money isn't a factor.

 

 

I had an Ipad to run my smarthouse when they came out. Never really used it as a tablet except for household controls.

 

I bet you could have spent less and purchased the cheapest available iPod Touch to do that.

 

 

A lot of my friends who have 10 inch tablets use them for the exact same things I use the 7 inch tablet for.

 

You'd have a significantly more comfortable visual experience on the larger device. The smaller device is easier to hold and carry, along with offering a cost advantage. There's no right or wrong here; it's totally individual preference.

 

 

I just don't know anyone who uses a tablet as as a primary. I am sure there are a lot people who do but when I use them they seem like a very useful toy but not a primary device.

 

I don't know anyone who's eschewed a traditional computer for a tablet, but I'm sure that there are people out there who could get away with it. There's certainly the potential to significantly reduce traditional computer usage, though. A couple might find it feasible to share one PC/Mac, for instance, rather than each person having one.

[jjfanec]

A lot of my friends who have 10 inch tablets use them for the exact same things I use the 7 inch tablet for.

 

You'd have a significantly more comfortable visual experience on the larger device. The smaller device is easier to hold and carry, along with offering a cost advantage. There's no right or wrong here; it's totally individual preference.

 

 

I just don't know anyone who uses a tablet as as a primary. I am sure there are a lot people who do but when I use them they seem like a very useful toy but not a primary device.

 

I don't know anyone who's eschewed a traditional computer for a tablet, but I'm sure that there are people out there who could get away with it. There's certainly the potential to significantly reduce traditional computer usage, though. A couple might find it feasible to share one PC/Mac, for instance, rather than each person having one.

 

We actually looked at moving from a tradition laptop to a tablet for my wife but she does enough typing that she just didnt like the small keyboard/docking station of a tablet. She liked the full keyboard. She went with Asus' new touchscreen laptop. It is still small but the extra inches on the keyboard spaces stuff out more to her liking. It was actually cheaper than tablets but is extremely light.

 

One of my friends is going to get the twist laptops that are coming out and I looking forward to trying that out

[DHonks]

1992casey, we also had refurb ipod touches to help with that. But the ipad served as the central dock for all (including parents with poor eyesight, when visiting).

 

As for the ipad mini vs a 7" tablet...I thought they measured virtually the same, due to the mini's thinness and it's lack of bezel edge.

[1992casey]

We actually looked at moving from a tradition laptop to a tablet for my wife but she does enough typing that she just didnt like the small keyboard/docking station of a tablet. She liked the full keyboard. She went with Asus' new touchscreen laptop. It is still small but the extra inches on the keyboard spaces stuff out more to her liking. It was actually cheaper than tablets but is extremely light.

 

I can't see the keyboards that attach to tablets providing a comfortable experience. As you say, they're small. Plus, there'd be ergonomic issues. Either the screen would be too low or the keyboard would be too high. These small attachable keyboards would seem to be an in-between solution that's usable some of the time, but I'd hardly want to use one for a lot of typing.

 

My nephew puts his iPad on an eye-level stand and types on a standard keyboard. That would be the ideal setup… or as ideal as you'd get with a tablet screen and OS.

 

My personal preference would be to do the heavy lifting on a traditional computer, then either store the document in the cloud or sideload it to the iPad.

 

 

I thought they measured virtually the same, due to the mini's thinness and it's lack of bezel edge.

 

That could easily be the case. I was making an assumption that I possibly shouldn't have made. FWIW, an iPad Mini measures out at 7.87 inches x 5.3 inches x 0.28 inches. A Nexus 7 measures 7.81 inches x 4.72 inches x 0.41 inches.

[jjfanec]

We actually looked at moving from a tradition laptop to a tablet for my wife but she does enough typing that she just didnt like the small keyboard/docking station of a tablet. She liked the full keyboard. She went with Asus' new touchscreen laptop. It is still small but the extra inches on the keyboard spaces stuff out more to her liking. It was actually cheaper than tablets but is extremely light.

 

I can't see the keyboards that attach to tablets providing a comfortable experience. As you say, they're small. Plus, there'd be ergonomic issues. Either the screen would be too low or the keyboard would be too high. These small attachable keyboards would seem to be an in-between solution that's usable some of the time, but I'd hardly want to use one for a lot of typing.

 

My boss got a 10 inch tablet thinking he was going to use it as his primary laptop but watching him type on the keyboard I could tell it wouldnt last long. 6 month later he was buying a new laptop as well and now his tablet is not really being used. Some people really justify a 10 inch tablet but there are others who buy and use them simply to read books and go online and it just doesnt seem like a good purchase to me. They extra screen size is nice over a 7 inch but price, the easier portability and even how it fits into the hand make the 7 inch a great purchase for many.

[thebruce44]

The Nexus 7 is super awesome.

 

If I understand things correctly, products labeled "Nexus" offer a "pure" Android experience that should hopefully eliminate bloatware. "Pure" Android should also deliver software updates more quickly as they wouldn't be held up by manufacturers and carriers.

 

Correct, the Nexus program is essentially Google partnering directly with a manufacturer to release a flagship that is unlockable. It started as one phone a year, but the program has been enhanced greatly in 2012.

 

Part of the reason was that they released a 7" and 10" tablet, but the other part is that it seems they are done working with the cell phone carriers. Verizon's Galaxy Nexus (which I have and still consider to be the best phone on the market) was released with some bloatware and all updates have been constantly stalled by Verizon. It would appear that going forward Google will try to sell their Nexus products directly to consumers without subsidizing them. They may also be looking at starting their own service with Dish Network which would hopefully blow up the current system.

 

This means the newest aspect of the Nexus program is that they are selling hardware near cost. Its win-win for the consumer, especially when it comes to tablets which are often purchased unsubsidized anyway. That being said, I still can't recommend anyone go outside their current ecosystem, but you get a lot more for your money with the Nexus tablets than Apple's products.

[1992casey]

That being said, I still can't recommend anyone go outside their current ecosystem, but you get a lot more for your money with the Nexus tablets than Apple's products.

 

I might recommend moving from Blackberry.

 

A lot of manufacturers like to offer a checklist of items, and often, it seems like most of the items on these lists are things we don't need to care about. I don't really give a rip about RAM, for instance, as long as the thing works. As for the processor, I'd give it minor consideration when comparing two products from the same line, e.g. two 10" iPads. Comparing an iPad processor to a Nexus processor would seem to be moot, though.

 

Hardware specs that might be worth comparing across product lines would be storage and screen resolution. I definitely think that Apple should offer more storage in the iPad, although almost all reviewers say that the vast majority gets along fine with 16MB (I have 32).

 

Some might want an SSD option. I'd rather not fiddle with that. I also don't care about a plethora of ports. A tablet with a pile of wires protruding from it doesn't sound appealing to me.

[thebruce44]

That being said, I still can't recommend anyone go outside their current ecosystem, but you get a lot more for your money with the Nexus tablets than Apple's products.

 

I might recommend moving from Blackberry.

 

A lot of manufacturers like to offer a checklist of items, and often, it seems like most of the items on these lists are things we don't need to care about. I don't really give a rip about RAM, for instance, as long as the thing works. As for the processor, I'd give it minor consideration when comparing two products from the same line, e.g. two 10" iPads. Comparing an iPad processor to a Nexus processor would seem to be moot, though.

 

Hardware specs that might be worth comparing across product lines would be storage and screen resolution. I definitely think that Apple should offer more storage in the iPad, although almost all reviewers say that the vast majority gets along fine with 16MB (I have 32).

 

Some might want an SSD option. I'd rather not fiddle with that. I also don't care about a plethora of ports. A tablet with a pile of wires protruding from it doesn't sound appealing to me.

 

Well yes, in the end I care about if it works, not how it works. That being said, resolution and storage are probably the most important aspects for a tablet...resolution being #1 by far. Form factor and battery life I guess are key as well, though I tend to be able to plug my tablet in a lot more than my phone.

 

With resolution (PPI) and price being most important in my mind, I stand by my post about getting more from the Nexus line. It will be interesting to see if iPhones and iPads buck the "Retina" buzzword and keep up on resolution going forward.

 

Again though, if you love iTunes and all your iPhone apps, its a big deal to switch.

[mothershipconnection]

a "pure" Android experience that should hopefully eliminate bloatware

 

Yep, there are only a few uninstallable Google things on mine (e.g., Pinyin IME, because I'm gonna want to type Hanzi some day). I was peeved at Samsung/T-Mobile after rooting my wife's Galaxy and seeing how much crap could be removed and how much smoother it ran.

[1992casey]

Form factor and battery life I guess are key as well, though I tend to be able to plug my tablet in a lot more than my phone.

 

I had intended to include battery life, but you can't go by the company's claims. I'd look at a decent sampling of independent reviews. That said, iPads have a good reputation for battery life.

 

Yep, there are only a few uninstallable Google things on mine…

 

Of course, what's put there by Google isn't what's going to cause trouble. The trouble stems from the stuff that's gobbed on by the manufacturers and carriers. In the case of some devices, poor hardware design could factor in.

 

Apple doesn't allow carriers to sully their devices. When necessary, carrier-specific settings are built into the OS by Apple. An example would be the ability to check your data usage. Otherwise, carriers need to put their apps into the App Store and build them to App Store specifications.

[thebruce44]

Apple doesn't allow carriers to sully their devices. When necessary, carrier-specific settings are built into the OS by Apple. An example would be the ability to check your data usage. Otherwise, carriers need to put their apps into the App Store and build them to App Store specifications.

 

I hope that we are now going to see Google have this kind of pull going forward. The Nexus4 has been a much bigger success than anticipated and if their next unsubsidized MotoX phone has LTE and sells well, its going to make the carriers pay attention.

 

Of course you can always just unlock and root your phone, then do whatever you want to it...but I don't know how many people are comfortable with that. For me though, I wouldn't want Apple sully-ing my device which is why I like the options Android presents.

 

Sorry, this is getting way off topic and I'm going to take it even further. Has anyone purchased a Surface?

[AZBrewCrew]

I picked up a galaxy 2 7" after thanksgiving. Love it, but the only complaint I have about it is that MLBTV doesnt support it

[1992casey]

I'm surprised that MLB.TV would be excluding a Samsung product.

 

thebruce44, I think the Surface is completely on topic. I haven't handled one, so all I can do is speculate based on the reviews.

 

Not having Surfaces available to handle has been a problem until recently. The devices were initially offered only in Microsoft Stores and on Microsoft's web site. That doesn't put it into a lot of people's hands. Microsoft has recently changed that policy.

 

There's a lot we could talk about that might better go into a Windows 8 thread. Hardware-wise, I have to wonder if this thing is a little large. I think a 10" iPad borders on being too heavy under some circumstances, and the Surface is a bit larger.

 

I kind of like the built-in stand. However, it only locks into one position (like the majority of attachable tablet stands). One position limits its use.

 

The optional keyboard covers are a nice touch. I doubt that they'll help one to get a lot of typing done, though. The more basic model has "keys" that don't travel, and both models are small. If one needs a keyboard, they'd probably be a good intermediate solution, though, when a standard keyboard isn't available.

 

At this point, I'd be concerned about the ecosystem. I'd want to be sure there's an adequate supply of good apps available. That will probably happen with time. Buying into the Microsoft ecosystem will probably be a much better bet down the road. As a weird aside, Angry Birds went on sale for 99 cents per app recently on every platform except Microsoft, where it remained at $4.99 per app. I believe that the $4.99 is higher than the regular price on the other platforms; the apps are generally $2.99 in Apple's app store.

 

Back to the less on topic stuff, I think that all iPhone 5s sold by Verizon are unlocked. Of course, you're still bound to their contract. However, being unlocked would save you from begging the provider to unlock the phone if you want to travel and use a different SIM. As far as rooting (AKA jailbreaking) goes, I don't think I'd want to risk voiding my warranty.

[Godspeed]

A co-worker's uncle purchased a Surface and was said to have loved it. Pretty sad for Microsoft that that's as tangentially close as anyone in my circles has encountered their product. I am really intrigued by it, but never considered it when tablet shopping recently due to the price tag ($499/$599 w/ keyboard cover). Looking forward to hearing some first hand info from someone, anyone.

[jjfanec]

We probably would have purchased the surface if it was $100-$150 cheaper. I really like it when I was able to use it. I like the size and the keyboard more than the docking station my brother has for his Ipad. The size seemed to space the keys out better and made it easy to use. The cost was just too much so we decided against a 10 inch tablet at this time

[DHonks]

my problem with the Surface (from an Apple fan) is that the commercials haven't told me a thing except people dance/stomp with it. The Apple and Galaxy commercials brilliantly show us features and make us yearn for them.

[jjfanec]

my problem with the Surface (from an Apple fan) is that the commercials haven't told me a thing except people dance/stomp with it. The Apple and Galaxy commercials brilliantly show us features and make us yearn for them.

 

Really? They dont show a lot but they show a lot more than the Ipad mini commercials with that girl singing to her grandpa and the piano. The Surface ones highlight the cover keyboard. I dont think apple has had a good marketing campaign since the mac vs pc ones. Microsoft may never have had good ones. I cant remember them anyway.

[nate82]

my problem with the Surface (from an Apple fan) is that the commercials haven't told me a thing except people dance/stomp with it. The Apple and Galaxy commercials brilliantly show us features and make us yearn for them.

 

Sounds like you are describing an iPod commercial.

[thebruce44]

my problem with the Surface (from an Apple fan) is that the commercials haven't told me a thing except people dance/stomp with it. The Apple and Galaxy commercials brilliantly show us features and make us yearn for them.

 

Apple really does have great advertising, especially when compared to the Verizon Droid line. Great, the latest Motorola phone can shoot a hole in a concrete wall...I still don't know anything about it.

 

Meanwhile Apple touted the noise canceling microphone on the iPhone5. Its a feature thats been in cell phones for years now, yet I had a guy tell me how great it was to have a noise cancelling microphone on his new iPhone.

 

Most people don't know about their phone's features because of terrible advertising. Why not tell people about your product.

[thebruce44]

We probably would have purchased the surface if it was $100-$150 cheaper. I really like it when I was able to use it. I like the size and the keyboard more than the docking station my brother has for his Ipad. The size seemed to space the keys out better and made it easy to use. The cost was just too much so we decided against a 10 inch tablet at this time

 

You should checkout the Asus lineup with their docking keyboards. They are pretty easy to type on, similar to a Netbook. It also has its own battery that will recharge the tablet when docked. Its a pretty sweat add on.

[mothershipconnection]

Meanwhile Apple touted the noise canceling microphone on the iPhone5. Its a feature thats been in cell phones for years now, yet I had a guy tell me how great it was to have a noise cancelling microphone on his new iPhone.

 

My favorites were the ones where the iPhone 5 fits in a human hand and that they make earbuds that aren't perfectly round.

 

Off on a tangent, who cares about the earbuds that come with a device? If you cared about sound, you'd already have a pair of Shure, Klipsch or Bose earbuds. I unbox my stuff and toss the earbuds in the trash because they sound like hell.

[Funketown]

I got a chuckle out of the panoramic camera application on the new iPhone. I actually like it, but the camera feature on the original Galaxy had that same feature. I don't know much about programming, but I suspect that it would take all of ten minutes to program an app that could do that.

[RobDeer 45]

Once you get an iPad, I think you'll find yourself "needing" it in pretty short order. It gives you a lot more screen than a phone and it's sooooo much easier to carry around than a notebook.

 

 

You were right Casey! We've had the new iPad with Retina Display for two weeks and I find myself using my phone less and less. Actually it's funny, when you look at your phone after looking at the iPad for awhile, it looks like a cheap toy. I would always read in bed on my phone and now I can't imagine doing that. Good advice.

 

Can't wait for the season to start to fully take advantage of MLB.TV!

[DHonks]

I have my Ipad mini and am thoroughly happy. As a tech fool, this is a rare time when I'm not interested in any other products out there. For years I would buy a laptop or phone, and instantly want something different. Thank you iphone, ipad mini, and air.

[Invader3K]

My wife got the iPad (with retina) a few weeks back as an early birthday present. She is pretty happy with it. I still don't like Apple though, personally. I guess I tend to be drawn more to the Google/Chrome/Android side of things.