Best tablet under $350?

[ilvs]

Hi,

I'm looking for a tablet that would provide me with the ability to download and read pdfs, schedules, etc. Basically I want something convenient to take to conferences so I don't have to carry around a bunch of papers and schedules. I don't want to spend on a separate internet plan for it, I just want one that works wherever I have wifi. Right now I'm thinking HP touchpad, but wanted to see if other people had any other suggestions.

Thanks!

 

[gevorg]

What screen size do you prefer? For 7" screen, checkout Kindle Fire

 

[bearxor]

If I were in your shoes, I'd be at a computer Saturday at 6PM waiting for that next bunch of TouchPad's to go on sale.

 

[s44]

It's really a task simple enough for any modern tablet, so going with the cheapest -- the Touchpad -- is a pretty decent idea. Of course, I'd make sure to run CM on it, but that's up to you...

 

[vshah]

how good is cm7 on the touchpad now?

 

[ponyo]

how good is cm7 on the touchpad now?

Awesome. Alpha3 is very stable for me. Daily driver for sure.

 

[vshah]

any idea if CM9 will come out for it?

 

[Kenmitch]

Another vote for the TouchPad if you can score one for cheap!

I scored a 32gb'r at samsclub and opted for the 2yr product replacement warranty so when it breaks I get all my money back less the $9 warranty charge. Not like I wan't it to break anytime soon but when it does I'll be happy still

 

[ponyo]

Touchpad will definitely get CM9. I expect it will be one of the first batch of devices to receive.

 

[Bateluer]

Unless you're strongly technically inclined, and willing to deal with a complete lack of support from HP, no OS updated etc, the TouchPad should be avoided like the plague.

Best tablets under 350 are the Nook Tablet and Kindle Fire at 250 and 200, with the Nook Tablet being the better device right now, more storage and RAM, more polished UI.

You might be able to find an HTC Flyer for 350 or less on a sale though, same with some of the 10in HoneyComb tablets that occasionally hit sub-350 price points. I would expect the Samsung Galaxy Tab 7+ to get a price cut down to under 350 before too long too, but thats hypothetical.

 

[ilvs]

thanks all!! I'd like a Samsung Galaxy Tab 7+ but it's way too expensive. I'm travelling to India and Australia in the next month soo would feel super guilty spending that much on it!

 

[Deeko]

I'd recommend either the Kindle Fire or Nook Tablet. Both will do what you need. No need to spend $300+ for that. If you really want 10" (can be helpful for some PDFs), try to get in on the Touchpad deal.

 

[Oyeve]

Cant the transformer be found forthat price?

 

[MagickMan]

Cant the transformer be found forthat price?

I think the Acer Iconia too, either would be a better buy for $300.

Here ya go.

 

[videopho]

Not sure where you're at, geographically speaking but a 16gb TF can be had for $299 + tax at a Microcenter near you.

 

[s44]

The Samsung 10.1" was on sale yesterday for $330. Hope you got one.

 

[Geekbabe]

I'd stalk the for sale/trade forum here at Anand's, also your local Craig's list, a lot of people will be unloading their old tablets as the Asus Prime begins shipping.

 

[runawayprisoner]

I think the original iPad 1 sometimes go for under $350 as well... (very often on my local Craigslist)

Unless that one is not an option at all.

 

[Suspicious-Teach8788]

TouchPad may be STABLE at Alpha3, but it's not usable as a daily driver in the sense you need to charge it every 2 days. Considering the iPad and even webOS will allow you to go weeks without charging, this is kinda disappointing.

 

[Oyeve]

TouchPad may be STABLE at Alpha3, but it's not usable as a daily driver in the sense you need to charge it every 2 days. Considering the iPad and even webOS will allow you to go weeks without charging, this is kinda disappointing.

Weeks? Really? I think not.

 

[bearxor]

Yeah, I think it really depends on your usage. I can stretch my iPad out to 4 days of regular usage and it won't make it through a weekend because I'm using it more. My wife can keep her's off the charger for a few weeks at a time.

 

[Suspicious-Teach8788]

Weeks? Really? I think not.

iPad 2? You can definitely standby for 2 weeks easily. webOS I was at 41% after 10 days. The most I do is read an email or two in the morning and put it down as I get up to shower.

The point is idle battery consumption on Android is like 1-2% per hour. That gives you 2-3 days TOPS without doing ANYTHING at all. It's a fraction of that for webOS or iOS.

BTW, I'm referring to the TouchPad. I'm not sure about how other Android tablets fare on standby. Supposedly the Nook Color can easily last for a week but then its a heavily modified tablet.

 

[lothar]

iPad 2? You can definitely standby for 2 weeks easily. webOS I was at 41% after 10 days. The most I do is read an email or two in the morning and put it down as I get up to shower.

The point is idle battery consumption on Android is like 1-2% per hour. That gives you 2-3 days TOPS without doing ANYTHING at all. It's a fraction of that for webOS or iOS.

BTW, I'm referring to the TouchPad. I'm not sure about how other Android tablets fare on standby. Supposedly the Nook Color can easily last for a week but then its a heavily modified tablet.

It's ~11% per day on my Samsung Galaxy S II.
People's idle battery life on Android are dropping 24-48% per day without doing anything at all? That's crazy.

I'm running everything stock BTW, and no extended batteries.

 

[ponyo]

iPad 2? You can definitely standby for 2 weeks easily. webOS I was at 41% after 10 days. The most I do is read an email or two in the morning and put it down as I get up to shower.

The point is idle battery consumption on Android is like 1-2% per hour. That gives you 2-3 days TOPS without doing ANYTHING at all. It's a fraction of that for webOS or iOS.

BTW, I'm referring to the TouchPad. I'm not sure about how other Android tablets fare on standby. Supposedly the Nook Color can easily last for a week but then its a heavily modified tablet.

It's alpha build. It's annoying but not a deal breaker. You can easily get full day use out of it. If most you do is read couple of emails, then leave it in WebOS. WebOS email program is excellent. That's the beauty of the Touchpad. You can choose which OS to boot into.

My OG GTab idles fine with no idle battery drain.

 

[sgrinavi]

If I were in your shoes, I'd be at a computer Saturday at 6PM waiting for that next bunch of TouchPad's to go on sale.

I think it's 7:00 PM Eastern Time on Sunday

thanks all!! I'd like a Samsung Galaxy Tab 7+ but it's way too expensive. I'm travelling to India and Australia in the next month soo would feel super guilty spending that much on it!

I just picked up a refurb Tab 7 for 199, it's sweet. Is the plus that much better?