Is now a good time time to buy an android tablet or even a Windows 8.1 tablet?

[sao123]

With timing of release cycles and what not, every year there appears to be sweet spots in the time to buy a new device.

all things considered, no matter when you buy a piece of technology, there is always something else newer/better/faster on the horizon.

I want to buy an 7 or 8 inch android tablet to use as a secondary device... primarily for some web surfing when I don't need to use my main desktop.
I am uncertain if I want an LTE tablet or just something with Wi-fi.
If I do get a LTE tablet it will need to be Verizon compatible.

However right now I am considering 2 separate devices.

The Asus Google Nexus 7 2013 (32GB, and ?LTE? for $269/$349) and the LG GPad 8.3 GPE (16GB $349).

I considered the Galaxy Tab/Note 8's, but im unsure if I like all the "Value" added apps, and I don't know if I like not being able to upgrade to the latest android OS, because it seems Samsung takes it sweet time offering upgrades (if ever?)

So not knowing exactly what's on the horizon... is now a good time to buy either of the above mentioned tablets, or is there really something good in the works worth waiting for?

 

[number29ag]

Is there ever a good time to buy an Android tablet? There's always something new around the corner.

 

[openwheel]

If you need one then its a good time.

 

[Mopetar]

Buy a Nexus 7 if you're going to get anything. Nothing else comes close in terms of value in my opinion. Otherwise wait for the next version, which will probably be out around the middle of the year. I don't expect the next version to be as much of an upgrade as we saw over the previous version, so I wouldn't feel bad about picking one up now, especially if you really want a tablet.

 

[zerocool84]

Buy a Nexus 7 if you're going to get anything. Nothing else comes close in terms of value in my opinion. Otherwise wait for the next version, which will probably be out around the middle of the year. I don't expect the next version to be as much of an upgrade as we saw over the previous version, so I wouldn't feel bad about picking one up now, especially if you really want a tablet.

I expect this version of the Nexus 7 to last a while. I don't see it gets updated even this year. I see it going as long as the Nexus 10, the Nexus 10 is desperately in need of an update though and that should be coming soon.

 

[ibex333]

It's my firm belief when deciding to buy an Android tablet, it is always better to buy an Apple tablet. I am not an Apple fanboy, my main phone is a Note 3, but in my experience, Apple tablets are simply more fluid, more "useful", and more FUN, simple because the iOS environment offers more games, and whats more important, more GOOD games.

Android tablets are ok, don't get me wrong, but their designers simply cant get it through their heads that people don't only buy these things for movies, but for reading as well, so an elongated screen is no good! iPads screen format is better as far as viewing book pages goes. It's just more natural and pleasant.

The only real advantage with Android tablets is off course more customization, and connecting an MHL and OTG adapters. Still overall, I found myself using an iPad far more than a Nexus and eventually sold the Nexus. Also don't forget the battery life which is miles better in an iPad.

 

[gorcorps]

It's my firm belief when deciding to buy an Android tablet, it is always better to buy an Apple tablet. I am not an Apple fanboy, my main phone is a Note 3, but in my experience, Apple tablets are simply more fluid, more "useful", and more FUN, simple because the iOS environment offers more games, and whats more important, more GOOD games.

Android tablets are ok, don't get me wrong, but their designers simply cant get it through their heads that people don't only buy these things for movies, but for reading as well, so an elongated screen is no good! iPads screen format is better as far as viewing book pages goes. It's just more natural and pleasant.

The only real advantage with Android tablets is off course more customization, and connecting an MHL and OTG adapters. Still overall, I found myself using an iPad far more than a Nexus and eventually sold the Nexus. Also don't forget the battery life which is miles better in an iPad.

I agree that Apple still makes better tablets than anything running Android. HOWEVER, I also think that the difference is narrower than it's ever been. Narrow enough that I wouldn't bother with an Apple tablet if you were already an Android user (especially if you've already spent money on Android apps). That's just my experience though. I'd rather just utilize one ecosystem and make use of the money I spent in the store.

 

[zerogear]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jPPY4m8iY0k

Dell Venue 8 Pro into full computer. I personally think x86 tablets are way better than any other tablets.

 

[s44]

I want to buy an 7 or 8 inch android tablet to use as a secondary device... primarily for some web surfing when I don't need to use my main desktop.

Then yeah, get the Nexus or the G Pad GPE now (or at the next sale you see). Now is a good time for the smaller size; new stuff coming out will be bigger (NotePRO, Nexus 10, etc).

Dell Venue 8 Pro into full computer. I personally think x86 tablets are way better than any other tablets.

Fewer functions can be better. A second screen lying around should be as simple as possible. This is why Windows is cratering in the consumer space...

 

[sao123]

It's my firm belief when deciding to buy an Android tablet, it is always better to buy an Apple tablet. I am not an Apple fanboy, my main phone is a Note 3, but in my experience, Apple tablets are simply more fluid, more "useful", and more FUN, simple because the iOS environment offers more games, and whats more important, more GOOD games.

Android tablets are ok, don't get me wrong, but their designers simply cant get it through their heads that people don't only buy these things for movies, but for reading as well, so an elongated screen is no good! iPads screen format is better as far as viewing book pages goes. It's just more natural and pleasant.

The only real advantage with Android tablets is off course more customization, and connecting an MHL and OTG adapters. Still overall, I found myself using an iPad far more than a Nexus and eventually sold the Nexus. Also don't forget the battery life which is miles better in an iPad.

I wont dispute that the Apple Tablets are better... however, being that I have been using android for the last 4-5 years, since the debut of the original Motorola droid phone, having been issued an Iphone 5S for my work cell phone, I feel lost and Handicapped.

Everything feels counter intuitive and I struggle to use it for even basic tasks.

I don't really intend to use this tablet to play much games, mostly for Web and PDF reading. I almost want a 10 inch Android tablet, but they are too big and heavy to sit and read with one hand for long periods of time.

 

[Puddle Jumper]

It's my firm belief when deciding to buy an Android tablet, it is always better to buy an Apple tablet. I am not an Apple fanboy, my main phone is a Note 3, but in my experience, Apple tablets are simply more fluid, more "useful", and more FUN, simple because the iOS environment offers more games, and whats more important, more GOOD games.

Android tablets are ok, don't get me wrong, but their designers simply cant get it through their heads that people don't only buy these things for movies, but for reading as well, so an elongated screen is no good! iPads screen format is better as far as viewing book pages goes. It's just more natural and pleasant.

The only real advantage with Android tablets is off course more customization, and connecting an MHL and OTG adapters. Still overall, I found myself using an iPad far more than a Nexus and eventually sold the Nexus. Also don't forget the battery life which is miles better in an iPad.

I couldn't disagree more, I have an iPad Air at work and it's practically useless compared to a Android or Windows 8 tablet. Every time I grab it to do something I have to remind myself that I can't do simple things like browse my network shares or even download a freaking file.

Since it's a business device I haven't used it for gaming, not that any of the supposedly great games I have tried for iOS in the past were good for anything more than keeping you occupied while on the toilet.

 

[sao123]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jPPY4m8iY0k

Dell Venue 8 Pro into full computer. I personally think x86 tablets are way better than any other tablets.

I actually had considered this, because the idea of a full internet explorer browser experience is something I could use in a tablet.

But many of the android market apps I have, I don't know that there are even windows equivalents to, unless there is a Windows App Store with a bunch of freeware apps that I don't know about.

 

[Bateluer]

However right now I am considering 2 separate devices.

The Asus Google Nexus 7 2013 (32GB, and ?LTE? for $269/$349) and the LG GPad 8.3 GPE (16GB $349).

I considered the Galaxy Tab/Note 8's, but im unsure if I like all the "Value" added apps, and I don't know if I like not being able to upgrade to the latest android OS, because it seems Samsung takes it sweet time offering upgrades (if ever?)

So not knowing exactly what's on the horizon... is now a good time to buy either of the above mentioned tablets, or is there really something good in the works worth waiting for?

The N7 2013 is a good buy, in fact, probably the only realistic option in the 7in space. Nothing else comes close. Going cheaper just gets you a complete piece of junk. Going more expensive doesn't get you much else.

On the G-Tab/Note 8, I'd advise no. I have a Note 8, and its been a solid device, but its end the of its lifespan. Samsung isn't going to updating it beyond 4.2.2. Its still got a decently spec'd CPU and 2GB of RAM, but the screen resolution is decidedly low by today's standards. The G-Tab 3 line was marketed towards the low end, with specs to match. The 7in and 8in models of the G-Tab3 line are especially under powered. The 10in model does sport an older generation Intel Atom, but its pretty much meh. On updates, Samsung is usually good for at least 1 major OS update and a maintenance update or two.

I've actually been seriously thinking about the GPe GPad model to replace my Note 8, but I really would like 32GB of internal storage and TMO LTE. A tablet with FHD, 32GB, ~8in, and LTE bands just doesn't exist.

It's my firm belief when deciding to buy an Android tablet, it is always better to buy an Apple tablet. I am not an Apple fanboy, my main phone is a Note 3, but in my experience, Apple tablets are simply more fluid, more "useful", and more FUN, simple because the iOS

The only real advantage with Android tablets is off course more customization, and connecting an MHL and OTG adapters. Still overall, I found myself using an iPad far more than a Nexus and eventually sold the Nexus. Also don't forget the battery life which is miles better in an iPad.

I'd also put forth that everything in the above post is either blatantly untrue or highly subjective. Android apps are every bit the equal, or superior, to their iOS versions for all practical purposes. It kinda galls and saddens me that this argument still gets brought up, no matter how many times it gets proven false. :/ If memory serves, there was one time on this very forum where a use brought up a high school student's programming project as an example of why Android apps were behind Apples; it wasn't even in the Android Market and the poster was promptly replied to by several others showing a myriad of measurement conversion apps that all looked and functioned just as good as Apples.

The subject of gaming on tablets becomes meaningless when you consider that nearly all mobile games are just freemium, IAP laden garbage. Both platforms have plenty of time wasting apps for when you're standing in line somewhere. Are you in such a hurry to spend your hard earned cash in games like Star Trek Trexels? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w_AgjWkNGew

On battery life, Android tabs won't have any battery life issues for you either. My Note 8 lasts a good 2 or 3 weeks easily with light use, and even with heavy use it still goes multiple days. My N7 2012, which I might sell off if I buy that GPe Gpad, also lasts weeks; but its pretty much relegated to guided fitness apps and FitnessBlender Youtube videos now.

 

[Mopetar]

I expect this version of the Nexus 7 to last a while. I don't see it gets updated even this year. I see it going as long as the Nexus 10, the Nexus 10 is desperately in need of an update though and that should be coming soon.

I think it will get updated, but the hardware it has is going to be good enough for a while and I don't see any upgrade that's released being substantial enough to make a difference, or at least not enough of one to make it worth waiting six months someone wants to buy one now.

I agree that Apple still makes better tablets than anything running Android.

Some people want Android for various reasons, a big one being that it's much better in terms of customization. Also, there are a few other use cases where Android works better simply because there are less restrictions on apps and there's always the ability to side load your own.

Android apps are every bit the equal, or superior, to their iOS versions for all practical purposes. It kinda galls and saddens me that this argument still gets brought up, no matter how many times it gets proven false.

Earlier today in another thread someone was talking about how they still need Flash because there wasn't an Amazon Prime video app for Android. There's obviously some politics going on there, but it's not the only case. The BBC video app was another big deal for most of last year where there was no Android app and when it finally was released, not everyone was supported. Some big apps like Instagram were iOS only for a long time. Hell, Android still doesn't have an app for Nike FuelBand.

For all of Apple's faults with locking down their platform, their app ecosystem is still a cut above what you can get on Android and more often than not Android has to wait for a port of some iOS app. I think it's definitely a valid criticism of the platform.

 

[zerogear]

Android still doesn't have an app for Nike FuelBand.

Tim Cook is on the board of directors for Nike

 

[Mopetar]

Tim Cook is on the board of directors for Nike

I think the bigger issue was that the vast majority of Android devices didn't have Bluetooth LE support at the time. I'm pretty sure that I read they were developing an Android app when I was researching fitness trackers for a Christmas gift.

However, it's a bit of a moot point as it's beyond me why anyone would buy a FuelBand when they can get a Fitbit instead.

 

[sao123]

If I were to get the Venue Pro... Isn't it true you can run Android in V-Box and still get an android experience on top of a windows experience?

If you do this, does the touch screen work inside V-Box?

 

[paperwastage]

If I were to get the Venue Pro... Isn't it true you can run Android in V-Box and still get an android experience on top of a windows experience?

If you do this, does the touch screen work inside V-Box?

You could, but the hassle, incompatibility, lower battery life and problems might lead to a bad experience

If you want a tablet to just work out of the box for gaming, browsing, media consumption, get one that is tuned for this task (iPad! Nexus 7)

If you want a jack of all trades device and master of none that does everything and portable, then the bay trail stuff works

 

[zerogear]

If I were to get the Venue Pro... Isn't it true you can run Android in V-Box and still get an android experience on top of a windows experience?

If you do this, does the touch screen work inside V-Box?

http://www.genymotion.com/

Touch works fine. I was running it on my Surface Pro 2 until I realized I never really missed any of the Android/iOS apps.

I think the bigger issue was that the vast majority of Android devices didn't have Bluetooth LE support at the time. I'm pretty sure that I read they were developing an Android app when I was researching fitness trackers for a Christmas gift.

However, it's a bit of a moot point as it's beyond me why anyone would buy a FuelBand when they can get a Fitbit instead.

True, however, they could've been like Fitbit and developed for certain devices, better than not having a presence at all.

If you like Fitbit, you should take a look at Amiigo

 

[CuriousMike]

I'm looking forward to the Galaxy TabPRO 8.4
Good screen, fast processor.

I really like the 8" tablet size.

 

[MrSquished]

i'd definitely stick to the google play devices you mentioned in the OP. stick with tablets that run naked android and get updated first rather than a skinned version from a samsung or another manufacturer.

 

[jhansman]

Buy a Nexus 7 if you're going to get anything.

This. Tried two Samsung tablets and they both went back; got $50 off deal on the Nexus 7 16GB and hoped the third time would be the charm, and it was. You can make the argument that tablets that have an SD card slot have more versatility, but I've found that if I use my Nexus 7 for what my SG3 is too small for (web, video, etc.), between the two I have just what I need. At any rate, it's fast, excellent display, and no bloat (excepting Gapps). When the warranty expires, I'll root it and really make it my own. Highly recommended.

 

[sao123]

http://www.genymotion.com/

Touch works fine. I was running it on my Surface Pro 2 until I realized I never really missed any of the Android/iOS apps.

Better Worse or on Par with Bluestacks?

 

[dagamer34]

My problem with Android tablets (and the iPad as well) is that tablets shouldn't have the same interface as a phone. And on Android, I've never been a real fan of the launcher, since it leads to a duplication of app icons. And widgets aren't uniformly designed making them look ugly to me (personal opinion).

Most importantly though, most Android tablets are 16:9 which leads itself to video, where as for reading/web browsing, 4:3 is far superior. It's a shame that Google itself doesn't make a 4:3 tablet.

 

[s44]

Most importantly though, most Android tablets are 16:9

Actually, basically none of them are.