tablet vs netbook

Tina · Feb 19, 2012, 21:10:53

I need to buy a new netbook/tablet for when I am away from home or in hospital.

Now the question is which is better, a tablet (thinking of samsung android one) or a netbook running windows 7. i can't justify the price of an ipad.
Which do you think is best.. notbook or android tablet? Thanks

Steve · Feb 19, 2012, 21:14:35

I would go for a tablet, better battery life,usually clearer screen,apps more appropriate to the hardware and usually more portable.

Tina · Feb 19, 2012, 21:18:10

Thought you'd say that

can you recomend one ? was thinking of Samsung Galaxy Tab 16GB Wi-Fi or Prestigio 10in Tablet PC

Steve · Feb 19, 2012, 21:33:34

Sorry Tina I'm an IOS user

but I do think 10in x7in is a reasonable size.

Tina · Feb 19, 2012, 21:45:53

I don't understand something, they don't seem to have a usb port for dongles, or would I need to buy a 3G one, which put another 100 quid on the price

Steve · Feb 19, 2012, 22:12:09

The other options are to use a personal hotspot on a phone iPhone/Android or a device like the MiFi - which is essentially a battery powered 3G wifi router, all sadly have a cost attached.

Some tablets may work with usb dongles

Tina · Feb 19, 2012, 22:15:08

Quote from: Steve on Feb 19, 2012, 21:33:34
Sorry Tina I'm an IOS user but I do think 10in x7in is a reasonable size.

I think maybe the presingo one, but it has mixed reviews whilst the samsung has exceelent reviews, but 100 quid more. I just want to check mail, access FB, and sites and do online banking if in hospital

Steve · Feb 19, 2012, 22:17:23

The Samsung may have an adaptor to covert to USB

Tina · Feb 19, 2012, 22:23:46

These are the specs for the Samsung Galaxy tab 16GB 3G and wifi

QuoteExperience more possibilities on the go with the Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9, which is light, slim and packed with a powerful performance. With both 3G (21Mbps) and Wi-Fi access, you can be connected 24/7 wherever you are. Enjoy fast and stable connections to the internet for speedy browsing, downloads and more! High definition 8.9in/22.6cm full touchscreen display delivers excellent screen sharpness. With 1280 x 800 resolution, you can enjoy better details. Movies, photos and programmes with rich graphics will pop to life on the tablet's screen. 1GHz NVIDIA Tegra 2 Dual Core processor. 16GB memory built-in. It also features Touch Wiz 4.0 for effortless and intuitive multitasking. Add to this the endless fun to be had with the expansive Samsung Hubs, which includes the Readers Hub, Social Hub and Music Hub, and you have the ultimate Tab experience.
Both front and rear-facing cameras built in. When you want to video chat with a friend the front camera offers great clarity. The rear camera allows you to capture the greatest photos and HD video. Adobe® Flash® player support, so whether you're browsing the web or viewing online multimedia content, you'll be able to see it all. Preloaded Polaris Office: Get your work done from anywhere - view, edit, and create various documents including PowerPoint, Word, and Excel. Latest Android Honeycomb 3.1 operating system, which has been designed specifically for tablet use. Also, the Android Market™ offers a wide variety of apps for downloading. Bluetooth v3.0. Rechargeable battery with up to 10 hours battery life per charge.
Measures 231 x 158 x 8.6mm. Weight 465g.

Simon · Feb 19, 2012, 22:35:51

Sorry, can't help with any advice, Tina, but good to see you. How are you doing?

Tina · Feb 19, 2012, 22:38:02

Think I'm going to have to get another netbook. Can't justify the cos of a Tablet. I'm OK, it's been rough since before Xmas, in and out of hospital, might post about it inthe other forum

Simon · Feb 19, 2012, 22:41:07

Sorry to hear that, Tina. Hope you're feeling better now.

Lance · Feb 19, 2012, 23:49:05

Don't forget that reconditioned iPads are also available, I think Den picked one up recently. Alternatively wait a month by which time the iPad 3 should be announced which will lead to a price reduction on the iPad 2.

lozcart · Feb 20, 2012, 09:03:22

You can currently get a refurbished iPad 32GB from Apple with a 12 month warranty for £319.

http://store.apple.com/uk/browse/home/specialdeals/ipad

pctech · Feb 20, 2012, 10:43:07

Netbiook is a better option IMO, cheaper and wider choice of software not restricted to a market.

Android and iOS are great as phone OSes but if you are used to Windows on a computing device it can be a bit of a learning curve.

Technical Ben · Feb 20, 2012, 11:02:49

Quote from: Tina on Feb 19, 2012, 21:45:53
I don't understand something, they don't seem to have a usb port for dongles, or would I need to buy a 3G one, which put another 100 quid on the price

That's why they don't put a usb in it. It costs 10p to add a usb. It costs £10 to add a 3g device. But guess which one they can charge £10 extra for, and which one £100 extra for!

I'd probably settle for somewhere in the middle, like a Android transformer (tablet with keyboard). But then again, I've never used a tablet, android or iOS/X device.

I use my phone or my PC. If I need something in between, it's my arms and eyes.

Tina · Feb 25, 2012, 11:20:21

I am thinking of buying this

http://www.amazon.co.uk/A1CS-CAPACITIVE-MULTI-TOUCH-PROCESSOR-S5PV210A8/dp/B004MG46US/ref=sr_1_10?s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1330163322&sr=1-10

It appears to have 2 USB ports that I could put a dongle into. Though a few reviews have said that they haven't managed to connect thier dongle. What do you guys think of it? I only really need it for Facebook, internet banking and general browsing for when I am away or in hospital. I don't really want to pay more the £200 if I can help it. Thanks

Rik · Feb 25, 2012, 11:23:23

Hi Tina

You'd need Android drivers for a dongle to work, unless I'm mistaken, so check with your dongle manufacturer. Would an 8" screen be big enough for you?

Tina · Feb 25, 2012, 11:26:32

Quote from: Rik on Feb 25, 2012, 11:23:23
Hi Tina

You'd need Android drivers for a dongle to work, unless I'm mistaken, so check with your dongle manufacturer. Would an 8" screen be big enough for you?

Oh, how would I get the drivers? I'm a bit worried about the screen size too, but the reviews have said the 10" in a bit big. The reviews are also better for the 8". it appears to be more up to date or something

Rik · Feb 25, 2012, 11:32:14

The dongle manufacturer would, I think, have to supply the drivers, Tina. Check with their website or the mobile operator. I've got a 10" netbook, and have tried 7 & 8" tablets. I found the tablets irritating as I was forever pinch-zooming websites to get them to a size that was comfortable to read.

Tina · Feb 25, 2012, 11:33:52

Quote from: Rik on Feb 25, 2012, 11:32:14
The dongle manufacturer would, I think, have to supply the drivers, Tina. Check with their website or the mobile operator. I've got a 10" netbook, and have tried 7 & 8" tablets. I found the tablets irritating as I was forever pinch-zooming websites to get them to a size that was comfortable to read.

That is a good point

which netbook do you have? Hope you're feeling a bit better now

Rik · Feb 25, 2012, 11:38:31

Samsung NC1. I'm still trying to shake off the bug, Tina, but am much better than I was at the beginning of January, thanks.

Tina · Feb 25, 2012, 11:40:17

Quote from: Rik on Feb 25, 2012, 11:38:31
Samsung NC1. I'm still trying to shake off the bug, Tina, but am much better than I was at the beginning of January, thanks.

Yeah that is the netbook I was looking at.. good reviews. Hope you keep feeling better

Rik · Feb 25, 2012, 11:43:32

I've been very pleased with it, though it's definitely worth adding an extra GB of RAM. Thanks.

Tina · Feb 25, 2012, 11:46:02

is this it

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Samsung-NC110-10-1-inch-Netbook/dp/B005TIT694/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1330170268&sr=8-2