I want/need a tablet

elecplus · 29 May 2015, 22:27

Yes, I know, way off topic.
But I need a tablet, large in size (easier to see). 12" is smaller than I want. Needs excellent resolution.
I don't care about the OS, but I am NOT fond of Win 8.1. I like Win 7, Android, etc.
It needs to be internet enabled, and be able to run multiple programs simultaneously.
This will be my daily driver when I am on the road.
The ERP system is web based, and I will be running various Office type applications, email, messengers, etc.

Suggestions?

scottc · 29 May 2015, 22:31

12" is pretty big for a tablet already!

From your requirements, it sounds like a Microsoft Surface might do. Except they all run Win 8.1. I don't know of any Android tablets over about 10". I don't know how Windows 7 would do as a tablet OS, I used a display model tablet with 7 years ago and it was less than fantastic.

I assume you want it to have its own 3G/4G modem included? If you have a smartphone, you can actually tether your data connection from that to a tablet over Wi-Fi. Some US carriers don't like this, though.

SL89 · 29 May 2015, 22:35

Cindy, wait it out. Googles I/O event is going on right now iirc. That usually means last years models will get pushed aside for the new goodies. I am an in a similar boat and hoping for some sort of Nexus device. Barring that, Samsung has the better larger tablets out there.

elecplus · 29 May 2015, 22:41

I am being gifted an Apple iphone 5, should be here Tues. It should be able to sync to a tablet? Act as a hot spot?

scottc · 29 May 2015, 22:44

elecplus wrote: I am being gifted an Apple iphone 5, should be here Tues. It should be able to sync to a tablet? Act as a hot spot?

I know that the phone itself can do it for sure but some carriers disable the option.

elecplus · 29 May 2015, 22:45

No new Nexus tablets
http://betanews.com/2015/05/27/google-m ... no-tablet/

elecplus · 29 May 2015, 22:48

A Google 3-D scanner tablet?
http://www.engadget.com/2015/05/28/goog ... c-release/

Redmaus · 29 May 2015, 22:48

elecplus wrote: I am being gifted an Apple iphone 5, should be here Tues. It should be able to sync to a tablet? Act as a hot spot?

Must jailbreak...

Muirium · 29 May 2015, 23:07

Nope. Even this old iPhone 4S tethers just fine. IF YOUR CARRIER ALLOWS IT ON YOUR PLAN. Works on EE here but not when I used T-Mobile in the U.S. Unless I upgraded the plan.

No new tablets from Google, eh? Guess it's not just the iPad that's struggling now. The tablet peaked a few years back.

SL89 · 29 May 2015, 23:21

They are indeed physically capable of it, but as Mu said, Carrier rules. It's much easier to bypass on Android...

Also, I'll be surprised if there isn't anything by the end of I/O

SL89 · 29 May 2015, 23:27

In the case of no new Android check out the Microsoft Surface. It's decently large and can run Windows (usually 8.1 and if you hate it i recommend Classic Shell to make it usable) you could sync it with your iphone and use a hotspot or phone if it works as a hotspot.

scottc · 29 May 2015, 23:46

SL89 wrote: In the case of no new Android check out the Microsoft Surface. It's decently large and can run Windows (usually 8.1 and if you hate it i recommend Classic Shell to make it usable) you could sync it with your iphone and use a hotspot or phone if it works as a hotspot.

+1 to all of this.

matt3o · 29 May 2015, 23:57

take the surface, remove windows, install Linux

SL89 · 29 May 2015, 23:59

In a perfect world yes... is that even doable? For some reason I assumed MS had Surface on lock.

@scottc I see you have joined the mono legend illumati.

scottc · 30 May 2015, 00:00

matt3o wrote: take the surface, remove windows, install Linux

I don't know, is there any really good touch-friendly DE for Linux? And don't say Unity! Maybe the new KDE..?

Muirium · 30 May 2015, 00:00

I can only imagine how awesome Linux is on a touchscreen. And yes, I'm being facetious!

matt3o · 30 May 2015, 00:10

gnome works pretty good for me. the new KDE is also very nice, but not ready for prime time yet. Muirium, you play with apples.

scottc · 30 May 2015, 00:11

That was an honest question from me by the way, not just sarcasm.

I've never used any of them with a touchscreen, just curious about those who have!

matt3o · 30 May 2015, 00:15

it was an honest answer

can't say they are optimized, but they are usable. I really like Plasma 5 (or whatever is called now), but at 5.3.1 is still pretty dodgy. I'm using it on a daily basis now, but just because I'm incredibly dedicated.

SL89 · 30 May 2015, 00:18

It's finally gotten to the point where I actually have considered KDE and Plasma for daily driving. It's always looked so crap and can be so bloated.

elecplus · 30 May 2015, 00:46

I just went to Wal-Mart and got a Samsung Pro 12.2".
I will play with it tonight and see how it goes.

scottc · 30 May 2015, 00:50

matt3o wrote: it was an honest answer can't say they are optimized, but they are usable. I really like Plasma 5 (or whatever is called now), but at 5.3.1 is still pretty dodgy. I'm using it on a daily basis now, but just because I'm incredibly dedicated.

Oh I know, my question just looked a bit sarcastic when put beside Mu's trolling! That's interesting, I'll have to try that. I have a Jolla tablet on the way and there are rumours that it'll be able to run Ubuntu etc too so it should be a good opportunity to try this kind of stuff out.

elecplus wrote: I just went to Wal-Mart and got a Samsung Pro 12.2".
I will play with it tonight and see how it goes.

Great! Let us know how it works out.

SL89 wrote: @scottc I see you have joined the mono legend illumati.

JOIN THE ORDER OF THE SNOWMAN.

SL89 · 30 May 2015, 01:05

elecplus wrote: I just went to Wal-Mart and got a Samsung Pro 12.2".
I will play with it tonight and see how it goes.

Those look pretty nice, as scottc said let us know

elecplus · 30 May 2015, 01:09

The Samsung was the most powerful tablet they had. Same price as the highest end iPad. I have used the iPad before, and did not find it to my liking. There were plenty of cheaper tablets, some with decent screens, and one even had a fairly decent keyboard, not scissors, but something else. If it does not work out, I have 14 days to get a full refund. The display on this is considerably better than any of the others. It has a mini HD slot for a card, so I picked up a 64GB. I have 2 x 1TB hdd on my desktop at home, and they are almost full, so I am really not too sure about only using little cards for storage. I guess these things are not meant for development, just for documents and things. Now I just need to learn Android...

SL89 · 30 May 2015, 01:17

I quite like the Note line, the hardware is great. I'm just a nerd and critical of Samsung for their BS regarding bootloaders and whatnot.

Did you happen to get a keyboard / case with it?

Muirium · 30 May 2015, 01:17

As costly as an iPad Air 2? That's ballsy of Samsung. Usually they're all about the cheap. Hopefully Android works out for you. The iPad is all about the specific apps you can get for it (and how well they work with Dropbox). Apple's made using it the wrong way (as a general purpose classic desktop) maddening and painful. As is their want. It's an iPhone for the couch. Which seems to be its problem these days.

If you find Android frustrating, the Surface sounds more your thing. Though there's really no point in fighting against Windows 8's UI. Until Windows X comes along!

elecplus · 30 May 2015, 01:18

They did not have keyboards and cases that fit. We are a small town

scottc · 30 May 2015, 01:27

Muirium wrote: As costly as an iPad Air 2? That's ballsy of Samsung. Usually they're all about the cheap

I'm not sure where you get this info from, but Samsung make some pretty expensive stuff. Usually a bit cheaper than the comparative iDevice but they're on the very high end of Android device prices for their flagships.

Muirium · 30 May 2015, 01:37

I was comparing Samsung *with Apple*, after all! They're perfectly shameless at ripping Apple off wherever they are able. Samsung have a very different relationship with Apple than they do with the other manufacturers they're actually competing with. Everyone else is merely to be beaten on specs and price. Apple, meanwhile, is to be copied to the maximum extent Samsung's engineers can possibly muster without actually running iOS.

elecplus · 30 May 2015, 01:43

OK, on the new tablet now. So far, I am impressed. Very quick and easy to setup.
The keyboard makes a tiny click for each letter pressed, and the screen vibrates slightly for each letter press. I can't exactly type like on a keyboard, but I will adjust. The screen is very crisp, and easy to read. And it is very nice that this site shows up in full screen!

Now to see about installing some apps.