Suggest a tablet *Update*

[Kaido]

Thanks for your thoughtful reply! I’m tethering between an pro 11 and air at this point. How heavy is it? Not that often but is it a decent weight for laying on the couch and magazine/book reading?

Also if you do any artsy stuff, I sprung for a Sketchboard Pro this year & really like it!

Sketchboard Pro for iPad Artists

Sketchboard Pro for iPad Artists creates a completely flat surface around the iPad, so it's just like you're drawing on flat paper. The Sketchboard Pro offers support and stability freeing the whole arm for drawing, so artists are able to draw more loosely and without stress on your neck and...

sketchboardpro.com

You can use it on your lap, like a regular drawing setup, or prop it up on its feet, like a drafting table. The iPad just kind of sits inside & pops out easily. Great for drawing, doing CAD, editing photos, etc. I don't know if you'd have like real estate clients signing anything digitally, but you could prop it up on a table for convenient viewing & sharing, especially with the pen:

 

[slackerinabox]

Maybe some sort of cheapass Chrome tablet, if it exists, should do everything you want it to do?

Otherwise, I'd suggest the smallest Surface Pro--forget what it's called, Lite or something? Not sure if that gets everything like the other Surfaces, but an actual full OS is better than what any other tablet can offer.

Great screens, too. I'd take Surface anything over any crappy, neutered Apple device. I mean, you have to deal with Microsoft shenanigans, but outside of Win10 that has it's issues everywhere, the Surface stuff is clean and quite brilliant, imo. I call them the "overachieving tablet" because it can very well be used as an actual laptop if you want, just not as comfy in your lap, and still not the best for real, serious work (size limitation of any tablet, really)

thanks for the reply. Based on my wife’s work surface I’ll be skipping the product - it was an ok laptop but a really bad tablet - don’t recall many apps being available at all and im very happy with my MacBook 12 and old school i7 MacBook Pro as laptops (and I really didn’t like typing on it, the key feel was squishy)

 

[slackerinabox]

Also if you do any artsy stuff, I sprung for a Sketchboard Pro this year & really like it!

Sketchboard Pro for iPad Artists

Sketchboard Pro for iPad Artists creates a completely flat surface around the iPad, so it's just like you're drawing on flat paper. The Sketchboard Pro offers support and stability freeing the whole arm for drawing, so artists are able to draw more loosely and without stress on your neck and...

sketchboardpro.com

You can use it on your lap, like a regular drawing setup, or prop it up on its feet, like a drafting table. The iPad just kind of sits inside & pops out easily. Great for drawing, doing CAD, editing photos, etc. I don't know if you'd have like real estate clients signing anything digitally, but you could prop it up on a table for convenient viewing & sharing, especially with the pen:

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so cool! My daughter the budding artist would love one, seems more ergonomic than hunching over a table - ordering for sure, thanks!

 

[Kaido]

so cool! My daughter the budding artist would love one, seems more ergonomic than hunching over a table - ordering for sure, thanks!

Yeah it's actually super nice to chill on the couch or at a table or whatever & just be mobile with your art tools wherever you want to sit! You do have to buy the specific one for the iPad size tho, as the cutout fits it specifically.

 

[slackerinabox]

Yeah it's actually super nice to chill on the couch or at a table or whatever & just be mobile with your art tools wherever you want to sit! You do have to buy the specific one for the iPad size tho, as the cutout fits it specifically.

Awesome, and thanks for your thoughts on the pro. The 12 might not fit my budget but I’m def considering, now to wait to see if the prior gen plummets with the release of the m1s… so much waiting, hahah - I waited a year for a mini update.
I’d go with the m1 pro if I wasn’t also in the market for an m1 Mac mini or iMac for video editing and can’t justify it , at this point I should just hand Apple my paychecks I guess!

 

[Scarpozzi]

I know what you said, but I got a Fire 10HD this year for use on the Echelon for $80 and it's been pretty decent. I just consider it a throwaway, but after putting Google Play Services on there and bypassing the Amazon app store, it's decent hardware for most things...but definitely not Apple or Samsung. Also, the screen size isn't as appealing to me because I feel like it's taller than it should be.....still for $80...if I cracked the screen, I would move on pretty quick.

 

[Kaido]

Awesome, and thanks for your thoughts on the pro. The 12 might not fit my budget but I’m def considering, now to wait to see if the prior gen plummets with the release of the m1s… so much waiting, hahah - I waited a year for a mini update.
I’d go with the m1 pro if I wasn’t also in the market for an m1 Mac mini or iMac for video editing and can’t justify it , at this point I should just hand Apple my paychecks I guess!

Yeah, if you don't mind used, there should be a flood of 12.9" 2020 models in pretty short order! Otherwise the new Air & Pencil 2.0 would be a really great combination for quite a bit $$$ less!

I'd normally recommend a Hackintosh for video editing, but with the M1 chips out now & the M2 chip already rumored, you'd get maybe 5 years out of it to stay relevant. Those new iMacs look pretty great! iMac power with iPad thickness!

 

[slackerinabox]

I know what you said, but I got a Fire 10HD this year for use on the Echelon for $80 and it's been pretty decent. I just consider it a throwaway, but after putting Google Play Services on there and bypassing the Amazon app store, it's decent hardware for most things...but definitely not Apple or Samsung. Also, the screen size isn't as appealing to me because I feel like it's taller than it should be.....still for $80...if I cracked the screen, I would move on pretty quick.

Hmm last time I installed play services on a fire it slowed to a crawl, I’ll look into it. The hd10s ergonomics suck, you’re right that it’s too tall - i keep smacking myself in the head with it when reading in bed (is it top heavy??). Still getting an iPod however, I really am jealous of my daughters iPad + pencil combo, just jotting notes is so much more intuitive than brainstorming with a laptop (I also renovate apartments and would kill for the ability to draw some squares with a pencil vs the chore of a process I currently do in PowerPoint for mock-ups)

 

[sdifox]

Hmm last time I installed play services on a fire it slowed to a crawl, I’ll look into it. The hd10s ergonomics suck, you’re right that it’s too tall - i keep smacking myself in the head with it when reading in bed (is it top heavy??). Still getting an iPod however, I really am jealous of my daughters iPad + pencil combo, just jotting notes is so much more intuitive than brainstorming with a laptop (I also renovate apartments and would kill for the ability to draw some squares with a pencil vs the chore of a process I currently do in PowerPoint for mock-ups)

Fire Toolbox is super convenient. You can get a pen to use with fire hd as well. I have the 2019 HD10, it's fast enough for normal use.
I use this type of case, the hand strap on the back makes holding it easy.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08TM1492H/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_A9XCJF4BTAKD0SVP9MBX?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

 

[slackerinabox]

Yeah, if you don't mind used, there should be a flood of 12.9" 2020 models in pretty short order! Otherwise the new Air & Pencil 2.0 would be a really great combination for quite a bit $$$ less!

I'd normally recommend a Hackintosh for video editing, but with the M1 chips out now & the M2 chip already rumored, you'd get maybe 5 years out of it to stay relevant. Those new iMacs look pretty great! iMac power with iPad thickness!

shit, if I wait a few weeks anyways I can edge into Father’s Day and convince the wife to chip in for an M1… this conversation is getting expensive…

the iMacs are quite appealing, the mini might win because I already have a nice lcd mounted at my desk… it’s really incredible that a $700 system the size of a bluray box set can edit 8k video! Though jumping to M1 means I have to actually pay for all my software, boo to it’s new authentication methods but time to grow up I guess!

 

[Scarpozzi]

shit, if I wait a few weeks anyways I can edge into Father’s Day and convince the wife to chip in for an M1… this conversation is getting expensive…

the iMacs are quite appealing, the mini might win because I already have a nice lcd mounted at my desk… it’s really incredible that a $700 system the size of a bluray box set can edit 8k video! Though jumping to M1 means I have to actually pay for all my software, boo to it’s new authentication methods but time to grow up I guess!

Yeah....the latest gen of the HD10 is what I have. Awesome hardware for the money....I use my phone for most things, but actually use Microsoft Edge as my primary browser on the Fire Tablet....if nothing else, it's good for watching shows on Discovery+ or Hulu or Netflix.

It's a definite performance boost from the 2019 Fire 7's I got my kids.

If you have the desire and means, get what you want. I'm just tired of spending money on tech that I don't fully utilize or that gets destroyed, so I tend to go cheap on mobile stuff with a higher chance of breakage or abuse.

 

[manly]

Hmm last time I installed play services on a fire it slowed to a crawl, I’ll look into it. The hd10s ergonomics suck, you’re right that it’s too tall - i keep smacking myself in the head with it when reading in bed (is it top heavy??). Still getting an iPod however, I really am jealous of my daughters iPad + pencil combo, just jotting notes is so much more intuitive than brainstorming with a laptop (I also renovate apartments and would kill for the ability to draw some squares with a pencil vs the chore of a process I currently do in PowerPoint for mock-ups)

Amazon devices are an undeniable low-end bargain, but it sounds like you have plenty of budget for an iPad. Even the base iPad can use the first gen Pencil. A Fire HD 10 is cheap on Prime Day, but keep in mind they're shipping the same outdated Mediatek SoC from 2019 and Fire OS is based on Android 9.

Amazon’s 11th-gen Fire HD 10 tablet starts at $149.99

There’s a Plus and non-Plus model, two kids’ versions, a keyboard, a charging dock…

arstechnica.com

Apple will update your iPad for approx. 5 years so if it lasts that long (my 2016 unit is going strong), it honestly doesn't cost a whole lot of money to own. One of my complaints about Apple is they're stingy on storage. The iPad starts at 32GB, the Air at 64GB but that will probably suffice for your needs. I don't use much storage on an iPad, so my 32GB has been perfectly fine.

 

[sdifox]

Amazon devices are an undeniable low-end bargain, but it sounds like you have plenty of budget for an iPad. Even the base iPad can use the first gen Pencil. A Fire HD 10 is cheap on Prime Day, but keep in mind they're shipping the same outdated Mediatek SoC from 2019 and Fire OS is based on Android 9.

Amazon’s 11th-gen Fire HD 10 tablet starts at $149.99

There’s a Plus and non-Plus model, two kids’ versions, a keyboard, a charging dock…

arstechnica.com

Apple will update your iPad for approx. 5 years so if it lasts that long (my 2016 unit is going strong), it honestly doesn't cost a whole lot of money to own. One of my complaints about Apple is they're stingy on storage. The iPad starts at 32GB, the Air at 64GB but that will probably suffice for your needs. I don't use much storage on an iPad, so my 32GB has been perfectly fine.

Amazon just released a new HD10. Not sure if it is better than the 2019.

 

[manly]

Amazon just released a new HD10. Not sure if it is better than the 2019.

I linked to the Ars report, and like I said they're still shipping the exact same SoC that was already lackluster in 2019 lol. But it's fine if you get it heavily discounted on Prime Day, and aren't expecting a near iPad experience. My personal opinion is there's a huge global demand for a good $150 tablet (including something for children), but the ~ $300 iPad is a sweet spot for most adults, esp. if they're already locked into the Apple ecosystem.

 

[sdifox]

I linked to the Ars report, and like I said they're still shipping the exact same SoC that was already lackluster in 2019 lol. But it's fine if you get it heavily discounted on Prime Day, and aren't expecting a near iPad experience. My personal opinion is there's a huge global demand for a good $150 tablet (including something for children), but the ~ $300 iPad is a sweet spot for most adults, esp. if they're already locked into the Apple ecosystem.

I paid 55 for the FireHD 10 2019 on prime day with a fire 7 trade in. I can't complain for 55.

I am allergic to Apple.

 

[Scarpozzi]

I paid 55 for the FireHD 10 2019 on prime day with a fire 7 trade in. I can't complain for 55.

I am allergic to Apple.

I said latest gen, but that's the one I got....I think mine was $80. I got one for my parents and one for my family and was pleasantly surprised compared to the kids' Fire 7's....but I did expect a performance boost. I don't play a lot of games on it, but haven't seen it stutter. It's not an iPad Pro....but certainly isn't some knockoff tablet from China that you can get for $100 on eBay either.

 

[slackerinabox]

Yeah....the latest gen of the HD10 is what I have. Awesome hardware for the money....I use my phone for most things, but actually use Microsoft Edge as my primary browser on the Fire Tablet....if nothing else, it's good for watching shows on Discovery+ or Hulu or Netflix.

It's a definite performance boost from the 2019 Fire 7's I got my kids.

If you have the desire and means, get what you want. I'm just tired of spending money on tech that I don't fully utilize or that gets destroyed, so I tend to go cheap on mobile stuff with a higher chance of breakage or abuse.

I'll "root" it tonight for shits and giggles. At least the kids can use it (free time is pretty great as far as flat fee apps go)

 

[Torn Mind]

Fruits have always been better than Robots and Flames.

Eat a Fruitpad. Be happy.

End of story.

 

[slackerinabox]

Fruits have always been better than Robots and Flames.

Eat a Fruitpad. Be happy.

End of story.

Yep, the only decision is get an iPad Air now or wait until the 2020 Pros go down in price

 

[BUTCH1]

Bought my wife this Samsung tab A for X-mas, https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07Q3T1YJS/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&th=18 core CPU, 64 Gb installed RAM on board, for the $225 I paid for it turned out pretty good, the price now is $310 however..

 

[slackerinabox]

*Update*. Decision made, thanks guys for making me spend way more than my budget! Pre-order is in for a 11 in 2021 iPad Pro! Figured the $250 different between the Air and the pro would be worth it vs buyers remorse whenever Pro reviews hit the web... Thanks whomever made the point that cheaping out will lead to regret - my Fire HD 8, Fire HD 10, Lenovo tab, and that stupid chrome convertible agree.. Could have saved money going with the right choice first!

 

[Kaido]

*Update*. Decision made, thanks guys for making me spend way more than my budget! Pre-order is in for a 11 in 2021 iPad Pro! Figured the $250 different between the Air and the pro would be worth it vs buyers remorse whenever Pro reviews hit the web... Thanks whomever made the point that cheaping out will lead to regret - my Fire HD 8, Fire HD 10, Lenovo tab, and that stupid chrome convertible agree.. Could have saved money going with the right choice first!

Congrats! You're getting the latest M1 chip, which means you'll have the fastest chip available & also the longest support life vs. the older A10 ARM chips. If you plan on getting the pen, spring for the 2.0 version - I've used both & the 2.0 is better, plus it has magnetic charging on the side of the iPad rather than using the Lightning plug (plus the newer iPads use USB-C, so then you have to get a dock for the 1.0 version). I'd also recommend springing for a Paperlike screen protector, as it's better than the stock glass & feels more like writing on paper if you get the Pencil 2.0:

Paperlike | Official Online Store

Paperlike is the first screen protector that makes writing and drawing on the iPad feel like on paper. Finally the plastic on glass slipping around has an easy fix: Your iPad, the Apple Pencil and the Paperlike - made for each other. Free shipping, 1000s of happy customers and a 4.5 star rating...

paperlike.com

I've had (and used) a variety of other tablets & you're really going to love the new iPad! I had a FireHD 10 before & even getting stuff like Google Drive on it was a pain because of having to side-load stuff from the Google Play Store vs. the Amazon store. I mean, it all depends on what you want to use it for, but for me, Android was kind of a hassle & iOS with the Pencil 2.0 just offered a more fluid experience. Make sure to pick up Monument Valley 1 & 2!!

 

[Geekbabe]

I got the Air 4, with case and AppleCare for Christmas, I am delighted with it! I am not a big note taker & use it basically to consume video content and play a game or two. Enjoy your new Pro!

 

[Kaido]

I got the Air 4, with case and AppleCare for Christmas, I am delighted with it! I am not a big note taker & use it basically to consume video content and play a game or two. Enjoy your new Pro!

What do you take notes in? I'm using Notability right now, which is pretty decent!

 

[slackerinabox]

Congrats! You're getting the latest M1 chip, which means you'll have the fastest chip available & also the longest support life vs. the older A10 ARM chips. If you plan on getting the pen, spring for the 2.0 version - I've used both & the 2.0 is better, plus it has magnetic charging on the side of the iPad rather than using the Lightning plug (plus the newer iPads use USB-C, so then you have to get a dock for the 1.0 version). I'd also recommend springing for a Paperlike screen protector, as it's better than the stock glass & feels more like writing on paper if you get the Pencil 2.0:

Paperlike | Official Online Store

Paperlike is the first screen protector that makes writing and drawing on the iPad feel like on paper. Finally the plastic on glass slipping around has an easy fix: Your iPad, the Apple Pencil and the Paperlike - made for each other. Free shipping, 1000s of happy customers and a 4.5 star rating...

paperlike.com

I've had (and used) a variety of other tablets & you're really going to love the new iPad! I had a FireHD 10 before & even getting stuff like Google Drive on it was a pain because of having to side-load stuff from the Google Play Store vs. the Amazon store. I mean, it all depends on what you want to use it for, but for me, Android was kind of a hassle & iOS with the Pencil 2.0 just offered a more fluid experience. Make sure to pick up Monument Valley 1 & 2!!

Thanks for the suggestions, adding the Paperlike to the cart now. I'm actually thinking of getting a bootleg pencil - $120 seems pretty rich for a stylus (and my daughter's generic works great for her)

Yeah, I'm getting tired of my graveyard of tech that I've outgrown, from too many chrome books to to a litany of shit tablets that were good enough for 6 months then got bogged down to a crawl after just casual usage. I would have tried a galaxy tab for .. my god.. 1/2 price! But I have bad memories of my pricey s9 note having quirks like palm rejection issues, stuff that should have been worked out for a then $900 phablet.. Don't get me wrong, it's unfair to compare my usually sub $120 tablets to something almost 7x more expensive, I just feel personally stupid for the graveyard. But my 7 year old loves free time (all you can eat kids apps) on the hd10, there's a place for it in the marketplace for sure. reading though was weird on it with the too tall shape - you'd think amazon would focus on ergonomics first, books being their origin and all. I'd get another Fire if they fix the ergonomics, weirdly my HD 6 from what a decade ago was perfect! The screens not that much bigger than my phone but it feels great in your hand reading