Android Tablets - School Me

[Jimmy]

Looking at picking up an Android tablet but don't know what to get. Anyone with experience have any input? From what I've, read the best options are the Samsung Galaxy, or ASUS Transformer. I just thought some of the techies on here may have some insight

[LiverDance]

I've got an Acer iconia500 and love it. It has everything and is free from needing to be associated with other hardware and software to function

[jeffsmith]

I've only used a Samsung Galaxy. Great screen and felt well built. I didn't use it log enough to really comment on the variation of Android that was installed on it.

[NASH]

The Samsung wins in most reviews I've seen and is one of few that have 3g/4g connectivity if that's important to you

http://techdraginfo.blogspot.ca/2012/01 ... s-you.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[XmonikerX]

I have a Playbook, i dig it.

[gyorke]

I am posting from an Asus Transformer right now. I'd definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a tablet.

[Jimmy]

I am posting from an Asus Transformer right now. I'd definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a tablet.

Decent deal on them here for the next day as well

http://www.kijijideals.ca/deals/halifax ... t-national" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Seanstoppable]

I have an Asus Transformer as well. Great fullsize tablet at the price. I use it daily. Used to use it for reading on the bus, but a bit too big for the busy trains of New York. And it has Ice Cream Sandwich, if you care about such things.

[gyorke]

I did not get the docking station with mine and I have yet to miss it, although I am getting the USB adapter for external HD access.
I got a newegg price match at future shop for a great deal on mine.
--Gordon

[Graham.C]

Can you use a digital pen to write on it?

[gyorke]

There's an app for that Don't need a pen though, just your finger, unless you want that pen feel then you can get an inexpensive stylus. I have to admit I've never used the software but the reviews are positive.

[homebrewcrew]

Archos makes an excellent android tablet if you are willing to pay a few hundred dollars. If not the playbook is the way to go.

[gyorke]

Unfortunately like some other tablets, kobo vox for example, the Archos uses the AndroidOS but is not an official Android device so it does not have the standard hardware and does not ship with the standard software, like the official app market. You can work around these issues but it can get complicated. For instance you may never find the apps you want because the market does filter on device type. I have no experience with the Archos so that device may not have any issues but it is something to be aware of.

[Jimmy]

Ok, so I never ended up getting a tablet but I'm back on the hunt for Christmas. What's the current go-to tablet? The Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 seems to be the way to go, but I'm looking for input from those more schooled than me. How many gigs of storage does one really need on a tablet? Is 16g sufficient, or is 32 recommended?

http://www.bestbuy.ca/en-CA/product/sam ... 2a40f4en02" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[jeffsmith]

I have a Google Nexus 7 that I got for work. I find I like the size much more than the 10" tablets. I have the 16GB version and that's more than enough storage for me. All of my music, etc. is on my phone, so the only thing I have on it is apps.

[Jimmy]

Why do you like a 7" vs a 10"?

[jeffsmith]

Just find it more comfortable on the couch. I can use it one handed as well, much nicer if I'm reading a long article or using the Kindle app. Also, I have an 11" MacBook Air, so a 10" tablet wouldn't make a lot of sense for me.

[Jimmy]

If I was to go the iPad route, is there anything built in to prevent me from transferring "Non Apple Store" movies/files to my iPad?

Basically wondering how many restrictions Apple places on the iPad...

[jeffsmith]

If I was to go the iPad route, is there anything built in to prevent me from transferring "Non Apple Store" movies/files to my iPad?

Basically wondering how many restrictions Apple places on the iPad...

You'd need to have them in iTunes in an iOS compatible format (m4a or m4v, h.264). I play all kinds of "non-Apple" content on my iPhone and Apple TV. Actually all of it is non-Apple stuff.

[Jimmy]

I'm really leaning toward the nexus 10, but the screen size is my biggest hang up. Would I be spending twice as much for a 10" when I would actually end up preferring a 7"?

[jeffsmith]

Only way to find out is to hit up Nest Buy and try a couple out I guess. I think that would give you a pretty good idea about what your preference is.

[Jimmy]

Only way to find out is to hit up Nest Buy and try a couple out I guess. I think that would give you a pretty good idea about what your preference is.

Do they have a couch I can lay on to test it out?

[jeffsmith]

Doesn't Future Shop carry furniture now? Just see if you can sneak a couple tablets out of the electronics area.

[Jimmy]

So I was in to Best Buy and still don't know..they had the nexus 7 and iPad mini there. The iPad mini was a great size and looked really nice, though I hate the thought of being restricted by Apple.

The nexus 7 didn't have a power cord plugged in so I couldn't turn it on...

[jeffsmith]

So I was in to Best Buy and still don't know..they had the nexus 7 and iPad mini there. The iPad mini was a great size and looked really nice, though I hate the thought of being restricted by Apple.

What restrictions are you worried about? What could you do on a Nexus that you can't on an iPad mini?