Looking for practical advice on buying a tablet primarily for PDF viewing

[Vaktathi]

So, I'm looking around for a tablet that is relatively cheap that I can take and use primarily for PDF's and occaisional word processing, as well as something I can watch downloaded videos on without too much trouble (generally not super high quality video, but something that can run h264 if it needs to, [if that's even possible?], though primarily ~100-200mb AVI's and the like). Now, I've got no clue as to the realistic differences between most tablets, it primarily seems like storage space and touch screen ease of use.

Now, ideally I'm looking to spend ~$200/250. I can spend more if I have to, if there's something mega-awesome that's like $350 I might consider it, but something a bit cheaper would be ideal.

thoughts?

-thanks in advance.

 

[ibex333]

Easy answer here... You want a tablet with something around 10" because 7" is too small for reading PDFs IMO. For your options, you are problably limited to a used iPad or a new HP Touchpad if you can buy it from someone, since everyone is out of stock as far as I know.

With the touchpad, you'll have to hack it and install android. By default it is a crappy tablet with Web OS. After the hack it is a very cool, very useful device.

If you can spend more money, go for the Asus Transformer or an iPad 2.

 

[Modelworks]

I wanted something similar and looked at all the ipad like tablets. The problem was to get something that performed well for all the task cost upwards of $500+ .
I instead bought a used HP TC4400 laptop. These are tablet pc. The screen is like a laptop but can also swivel around and fold down flat over the keyboard. The screen does require a stylus to use but other than that an a little extra weight is superior to a tablet in every way.

For $200 I got a 2ghz core2 duo , 2GB ram, 80GB hard drive, wifi, and the ability to use windows , linux, or anything else without trouble. Screen is 12" .
Search ebay for hp tc4400 and you can find lots of them for under $200.

 

[fastamdman]

I agree with the tablet pc, for 200 dollars you get a lot more out of it. Only downfall would be weight and battery life though. A netbook would work too for your needs.