Yep...Another Tablet Recommendation.

[mgh-pa]

Sorry for the redundant topic (yes I did search and read a few threads) My wife is insistent on getting me something she can actually buy for Christmas instead of tools and photography gear. I thought a tablet might be simple enough for her to pick out.

However, I'm not sold on WHAT I need one for. I use her iPad 4 all of the time for internet browsing/general content consumption as it's way more convenient than my phone or laptop. I don't really see the need for one as a creative device, since my Photoshop/Illustrator/Premiere work is all done on a desktop as you would imagine. I'm on the fence of whether or not I should get one or not, but she wants me off her iPad all of the time, so hence the suggestion.

I own an S4, and really like the Android system, but her the app selection really gives the nod to the iPad. However, I don't want two of the same system in the house, because, frankly, how fun is that? I'm torn between a full fledged atom/Windows based tablet (Dell Venue for instance) and a basic Android based tablet (Nexus 7). I like the idea of the new Note 10.1, but price seems high. The 10.1 Tab is nice, but feature-wise, stripped down from the Note 10.1 2014 Edition.

I'm thinking I'll be using this mostly for browsing, reading, etc., throughout the house and a mobile picture device (often drawing up plans for remodel jobs, construction work, etc.,).

Thoughts?

 

[crashtestdummy]

Honestly, for most of the things you use a tablet for, any of them will do. Windows is still thinner on apps, but most of those are games or fluff. Most "critical" apps are available in all three platforms.

I'd focus on two things: form factor and user interface. Go to a store and play around with a bunch of devices, and see if you can find a sweet spot in both size and interface. Go for whatever "feels" best to use, since it's a toy anyway.

 

[Lonyo]

Honestly, for most of the things you use a tablet for, any of them will do. Windows is still thinner on apps, but most of those are games or fluff. Most "critical" apps are available in all three platforms, with most of the gaps being in games an fluff.

I'd focus on two things: form factor and user interface. Go to a store and play around with a bunch of devices, and see if you can find a sweet spot in both size and interface. Go for whatever "feels" best to use, since it's a toy anyway.

Windows has a lot of "apps". We used to call them programs.
I have a Samsung Ativ Pro plus keyboard dock, and it's nice to be able to do a bit of tablet mode based stuff, as well as use it as a laptop (I don't have a real laptop).

Win 8 is much nicer (IMO) than Android for web browsing, as it has the "real" internet, not a "tablet" version, if you want it, such as full Flash support (which can be quite nice). Plus the touch version of IE is really awesome. My Android reference point is a Galaxy Tab 2 7" and Galaxy S3.

The Ativ Pro isn't the best solution though, as it's quite heavy and the keyboard dock/tablet combined weight is ridiculous due to balance issues, but other solutions of combined tablets/docks running Windows might be better (e.g. Atom/something with a battery plus keyboard dock).

 

[crashtestdummy]

Windows has a lot of "apps". We used to call them programs.
I have a Samsung Ativ Pro plus keyboard dock, and it's nice to be able to do a bit of tablet mode based stuff, as well as use it as a laptop (I don't have a real laptop).

Just as I wouldn't recommend using metro without a touchscreen, I wouldn't use the desktop without a keyboard and mouse. Given that he's looking for something that's a pure tablet, he should probably assume that he's only going to use metro except for a few select scenarios.

 

[jacktesterson]

Nexus 10

 

[Torn Mind]

Might want to consider one with a back facing camera, high screen res. I am using a 1st gen nexus 7 and those things are things I wish were better on the tablet. Not that 1280x800 is all that bad though. Flash is also not well supported unless you upgrade to Kit Kat. Still there are a lot of apps for mundane things like GPS, online banking, etc.

 

[Essence_of_War]

If you like android, the most recent gen Nexus 7 are really tough to beat. Build quality, screen res, etc are excellent, and price point is aggressive. If I had to get a new tablet today, it would likely be that one.

If I had to get a new tablet AND you were giving me $200ish extra dollars, you might talk me into a retina ipad mini. :awe:

 

[mgh-pa]

Would I be giving up much with a nexus 7 vs a Note 10.1 for general usage? The lack of expandable memory on the former bothers me a bit.

 

[wilds]

I would get this on Monday:

http://view.email.microsoftemail.co...672&jb=ff6210717d&ju=fe5f117474600c7d7613&r=0

Bay Trail, 2GB of RAM, Windows 8.1, 32GB storage for $99.
Its a good deal for $199 as well, once the deal runs out.

I may get one and sell my Nexus 7 2013 because full Windows > Android.

 

[raf051888]

I second ZGR's solution. Or if you need something more powerful take a look at the Dell Venue Pro 11.

 

[Imaginer]

I don't really see the need for one as a creative device, since my Photoshop/Illustrator/Premiere work is all done on a desktop as you would imagine.....

Thoughts?

A Tablet with full Windows 8, multi finger touch, and most importantly - an active digitizer pen. That right there is all the reason why I see the new tablet PC such as the Samsung ATIV, Lenovo Helix, Dell Venue 8 Pro and Venue 11 Pro, and the Surface Pro and Surface Pro 2.

I am not even looking at the cumbersome nature of the swivel monitor hinge of past tablet PCs.

And you are right, those application programs are all done on desktop, but on a tablet PC, you have additional options for finger manipulation of the canvas, quicker pointing versus dragging, and the active digitizing pen for variety of controlled strokes and touches that have a natural feel of drawing.


I am not discounting your iPad setup either. Wacom has a battery powered bluetooth pen with the levels of sensitivity (I do not think they have tilt or barrel rotate) to interface with major apps.

Samsung's larger Note tablets incorporate Wacom's digitizer. It is dependent on the app interface and app however.

 

[Imaginer]

Also another device I left out is the Wacom Cintiq Companion device. At 13 inches, it is large, but still mobile and as light as a light laptop, judging by weight specs. Full featured on the level of high end Intuos digitizers and stand alone Cintiq monitors, it is another preferred device amongst artists (albeit expensive, on levels of a new high end computer).

Also, this,
http://surfaceproartist.com/