Why buy a tablet?

roasted

I'm going to (respectfully) disagree on the tablet vs computer thing based on the testing we've done at work in the IT dept over the last year as we have continually considered tablets as part of a potential laptop replacement. While a chunk of that decision is functionality based as a lot of what we need out of student systems aren't capable on tablets yet (certain software and testing packages that are state mandated, not to mention in the higher grades different specialized software that doesn't exist on tablets yet), a substantial portion of it is due to form factor. I work for a large school district, so think about it like this. Does it make sense for a student to hold a device they're working on? The fact that a laptop can sit on the desk eliminates a bit of the dropping risk since it's essentially stationary when in use. It certainly won't eliminate everything, I mean, let's be realistic... accidents happen... but it's still a little food for thought. For what it's worth, the above was the "majority opinion" of the teaching staff who was demoing tablets for the last six months.

I definitely agree on the very last thing you said in regard to people not grasping the full potential of tablets because they choose not to. I think a lot of the choice there could be related to the form factor. I mean, let's be realistic... I could ssh into a core server a thousand miles away from my phone while sitting on Long Beach with my toes in the sand and a cold one at my side and manage that server however I need. Yes, the capability is there, and realistically a lot of the work I do could be done from a tablet. Given the choice of a tablet or a laptop to do those tasks, would I choose a tablet? You can check that off next to "hell no".

But there again, that's my personal opinion generated from my own needs and experience. I know lots of users, my own mother included, who absolutely loves their tablet and it fits their uses very well.

Evstarr

If there was an iOS device bigger than an iPhone and smaller than an iPad, I think I would get right in line for it.

roasted

There's been 7 (?) inch rumors of an iPad for a while, but I haven't heard confirmation on whether or not that'll happen.

There's a 7 inch Samsung Galaxy Tab, though, among a few other 7" Android tablets.

ratherbefishing

I went shopping today, then a little research online. It looks like the Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 is the way to go (this week). So, if I go that way, where/how does one get a few (cheap or free) movies to watch on the plane, without setting up a Netflix/Amazon account?

walthill

You can go to www.fullmovieyoutube.com

I'm not associated with the site but its clean. NO pop ups, nothing to download. No email address to give or questions to answer. The movies are older but if you are my age then they are just right to watch on the plane or car ride etc. They have a few Disney movies that I let my kids watch if we are somewhere where there is wifi or visiting neighbors or relatives.

If you want newer movies, I'm not sure what your alternatives are. I use Hulu a lot but that has a monthly fee as well.

Tablets rock because you can watch movies and do fun stuff but when it comes to business I'm still all about my laptop. I can do more with a tablet then I do, I'm just a little too lazy to either find out how, or learn something new.

Diydude905

I bought the Google Nexus 7 tablet when it first came available . I found out tablets aren't for me . Its too hard to read anything without always expanding the screen area whereas with my laptop I am able to read pretty well anything I am viewing without doing anything on the screen . As we get older our eyesight is the first to go and mine are just starting . So, last weekend I sold my tablet . Laptops will be around for a long time still.

itguy08

I don't have that problem with the iPad. It's fine for browsing and has pretty much meant my laptop stays at home all the time.

Chris0516

I refuse to buy a tablet. I already have a tower, laptop, and notebook. None of them have the smudge possibilities that the tablet does. Because, Touching the screen, is key to the operation of the tablet.

raylo32

With my Samung Galaxy S3 I find I don't really need a tablet. The screen is big enough to watch movies just fine on an airplane and do most of the other stuff a tablet can do. I have a desktop PC, a HTPC, a smaller older travel laptop and my main daily use laptop. No need to add a tablet to the mix. Who needs a laptop without a keyboard?

But I did get my dear old dad an iPad. It is dead simple enough for him to use and he doesn't text or e-mail so he doesn't really need a hardware keyboard. The iPad is perfect for him to browse and view photos and such. The long battery life is a really nice feature.

I could also see getting a tablet of you want to be an e-reader. But I am too cheap to be buying e-books when I can get them at the library for free.

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