Looking for a new tablet

[Phantomaniac]

Over a year ago I got a Nook HD+ on recommendation from this forum. It has served me quite well alhough its performance has always been a bit lacking. The last straw is its inability to play hearthstone (though that applies to all sgx544 graphics chipset tablets). So at this point I think Im ready to upgrade. I have done a bit of research but Id like to hear from tablet owners. Here are my preferred requirements:

Quad core
Decent graphics chipset
8 - 9 inch
< $200

Im aware those are tough to fit under 200 so Im completely fine buying used/ebay or whatever. Im also wondering how much of an annoyance dropping down to a 7in tablet would be, since they seem to be better value for the money.

 

[xSauronx]

bb has a tab 8.4 at $200 right now i think, not sure if the specs are up to snuff but they cant be worse than that nook. i have the nook hd as well, but i got it so the kids can read and watch videos, and that is all the thing is good for

 

[Chocu1a]

You can get an Asus Vivotab 8 for under $200. Runs full windows 8.1.
http://www.amazon.com/VivoTab-M81C-B1-BK-8-Inch-Tablet-Black/dp/B00OBQ5A18/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1419774012&sr=8-1&keywords=vivotab+8

 

[Phantomaniac]

You can get an Asus Vivotab 8 for under $200. Runs full windows 8.1.
http://www.amazon.com/VivoTab-M81C-B1-BK-8-Inch-Tablet-Black/dp/B00OBQ5A18/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1419774012&sr=8-1&keywords=vivotab+8

I had not even considered getting a Windows tablet but I didn't realize they had come down in price so much, especially for full x86 Windows. How well do you think something like that would run 2D steam games? I have a decent steam library so the ability to play at least 2D games would be a nice perk over Android.

 

[Chocu1a]

I had not even considered getting a Windows tablet but I didn't realize they had come down in price so much, especially for full x86 Windows. How well do you think something like that would run 2D steam games? I have a decent steam library so the ability to play at least 2D games would be a nice perk over Android.

I have a Dell Venue 8 Pro. It can play WOW, Psyconauts, Burnout Paradise, South Park Stick of Truth, and Half Life 2.
I see no reason it having a problem playing 2D games. I use a wired xbox controller & a usb otg cable. Also have a Logitech Bluetooth keyboard with track-pad. Pairs nicely & works for playing wireless.

 

[xaeniac]

Samsung tab 8.4 pro or lg gpad

 

[Super56K]

I told myself I'd never buy a Samsung device again, but that $200 Tab Pro 8.4 at Bestbuy was too hard not to trial at least. Hopefully Touchwiz doesn't drive me crazy, but I've felt for a long time now that my N7 2013 was too cramped at 7". 8.4" is a great step up without bordering on being too large like 10"+ tablets.

I don't think you can do better than a $200 Tab Pro 8.4. It's a 2014 device that was well reviewed at its $400 launch price, even with the Touchwiz bloat.

 

[jacktesterson]

I had not even considered getting a Windows tablet but I didn't realize they had come down in price so much, especially for full x86 Windows. How well do you think something like that would run 2D steam games? I have a decent steam library so the ability to play at least 2D games would be a nice perk over Android.

Buying one today and can test

 

[Childs]

If I didn't just buy a N7 2013 I would have liked to try to the ASUS MeMO Pad 7 (ME572C). It was only $150 a couple weeks ago, but now is $180. From all accounts it seems like a "N7 2014", with quad core Intel CPU and micro SD slot.

 

[JimKiler]

My budget is above $200 but my first gen Nexus 7 is horrible. Nothing wrong with it but as with others it is so slow at even the most mundane tasks i needed something better. I wanted to get the Samsung Galaxy Tab S 8.4 for $320 but the wife wanted the 10.5 version instead and now I am getting a keyboard for it. But my wife sees the Surface Pro 3 commercials and wants something more laptop like. I just want something more portal and the 8.4 has the same resolution as the 10.5. Now if only Vudu and Flixster would let me save movies in HD on the tablet.

At least with flixster i can stream in HD but VUDU will only do SD on android currently.

 

[Denithor]

I love my N7-13, perfect size to one-hand for reading/playing/etc. Very light, good feel to the back and durable glass face. Only complaint is that sometimes it misses on sensitivity and misses clicks or swipes.

Just got my GF a Fire HDX 8.9, beautiful hardware but a bit too big for my taste. Plus, it's not as easy as I thought to root and add the Google Play store and Apps, which is a big letdown from my perspective (Fire OS isn't bad but seriously, no Google Play? WTF is Amazon thinking?).

 

[JimKiler]

I love my N7-13, perfect size to one-hand for reading/playing/etc. Very light, good feel to the back and durable glass face. Only complaint is that sometimes it misses on sensitivity and misses clicks or swipes.

Just got my GF a Fire HDX 8.9, beautiful hardware but a bit too big for my taste. Plus, it's not as easy as I thought to root and add the Google Play store and Apps, which is a big letdown from my perspective (Fire OS isn't bad but seriously, no Google Play? WTF is Amazon thinking?).

No Google Play on Fire tablets and no Amazon video on non Fire tablets. Yet I can read with the kindle App on my tablets and phone. Why can't i watch videos from Amazon on my non Fire gear? Amazon's strategy is murky here.

 

[Childs]

No Google Play on Fire tablets and no Amazon video on non Fire tablets. Yet I can read with the kindle App on my tablets and phone. Why can't i watch videos from Amazon on my non Fire gear? Amazon's strategy is murky here.

Amazon is obviously trying to lock people into the Amazon ecosystem. Theres no Amazon Instant Video on Apple TV or Nexus Player either, but strangely you can get it on Roku and some other stuff like Sony Playstations/TVs, and I get get a rudimentary version on my Panasonic plasma. But then Amazon doesn't sell branded TVs and blu ray players. I think it may be that Apple and Google sell books, movies and music, where as the devices that Amazon Instant Video is on don't directly compete with Amazon.

 

[TreVader]

If you can swing the extra $30-80 an IPad Mini 2 (retina) is going to be a better experience than an Exynos based Tab. Sometimes you can find them for 200.

If you like android then the Samsung Tab S and Pro 8.4 are IMO the best android tablets. The N7 2013 is still out there too.

 

[Phantomaniac]

Buying one today and can test

Ok thanks. I am on the fence now and if a Windows tablet can do most everything an Android can do PLUS run x86 apps/games (even with a keyboard) I think I will go for the Windows tablet.

 

[jacktesterson]

I really like the VivoTab 8.

Its not much heavier than my Tab S 8.4.

Typing this with split screen multitasking. This tablet shines at multitasking.

Browsing is a great experience on the device.

Not for everyone for sure. Going to install age of empires 2 HD to see if that will work.

Performance is excellent for an Atom Quad and 2GB Ram. Much more fluid overall compared to Tab S 8.4.

Screen is pretty good but lower resolution is noticeable if your picky. Tab S kills it here of course.

Neat toy for sure

 

[Chocu1a]

Ok thanks. I am on the fence now and if a Windows tablet can do most everything an Android can do PLUS run x86 apps/games (even with a keyboard) I think I will go for the Windows tablet.

Look at the videos on youtube. I chose the Venue 8 because I needed a small tablet with stylus that could run web based java for work (picked it up used here for $110). I have a Note 10.1(2014), that I was mainly using for media consumption & light work related stuff, but real work based productivity, nothing beats real Windows. I can run any Office application. I can create & tweak menus on the fly in Publisher, create Power Point, create & edit PDFs, run java based payroll software. PC gaming is just a plus.
I had never really considered a Windows tablet, until I needed a real mobile work solution. I have always used Android.

 

[Chocu1a]

nvrmnd

 

[gus6464]

I got an ipad mini 2 for $220 and it has been flawless with hearthstone.

 

[Phantomaniac]

I really like the VivoTab 8.

Its not much heavier than my Tab S 8.4.

Typing this with split screen multitasking. This tablet shines at multitasking.

Browsing is a great experience on the device.

Not for everyone for sure. Going to install age of empires 2 HD to see if that will work.

Performance is excellent for an Atom Quad and 2GB Ram. Much more fluid overall compared to Tab S 8.4.

Screen is pretty good but lower resolution is noticeable if your picky. Tab S kills it here of course.

Neat toy for sure

That is awesome to hear. Most of what I do with my tablet when I'm not traveling is web browsing. Its currently $150 at the Microsoft store right now so very tempting.

 

[Phantomaniac]

Look at the videos on youtube. I chose the Venue 8 because I needed a small tablet with stylus that could run web based java for work (picked it up used here for $110). I have a Note 10.1(2014), that I was mainly using for media consumption & light work related stuff, but real work based productivity, nothing beats real Windows. I can run any Office application. I can create & tweak menus on the fly in Publisher, create Power Point, create & edit PDFs, run java based payroll software. PC gaming is just a plus.
I had never really considered a Windows tablet, until I needed a real mobile work solution. I have always used Android.

I have a really nice ultrabook for work so I doubt I will be using the tablet for work purposes, but you never know.

 

[isekii]

have you checked out the lg gpad ?

 

[thilanliyan]

I like my Tab S 8.4 personally. I am able to live with the odd stutter here and there because of the gorgeous screen

 

[NightFox]

Tab pro 8.4. Was 200 at BB, maybe still is.

 

[npaladin-2000]

The Windows tablets have really come on lately, I grabbedn an HP 10 inch one for $200 recently. But app-wise Android has a better ecosystem, unless you're going to use the Windows tablet as a desktop (Which I am, a lot of stuff from GoG runs really well on a quad-core Atom). I mean, there's no Vudu app, just the desktop program, which isn't as good. The Kindle Windows "app" doesn't support documents, only eBooks. Etc, etc.

Ultimately, the platform you pick may be decided by the programs you use. Me, I'm using one of those Galaxy Tab Pro 8.4s as my "tablet" and the HP hybrid unit as a laptop, so I no longer have to travel with my 15.6 inch one.