Anonymous B joined in and replied with this 13 years ago, 4 minutes later[^][v]#448,369
I would, out of habit, say yes because I own a 10" glowing rectangle that I can't stop poking at. But, having said that, I still use a laptop as my primary computing device. Do you need a tablet?
Cat !TGirlYJKXM (OP) replied with this 13 years ago, 2 minutes later, 7 minutes after the original post[^][v]#448,370
No, which is why it's on the very bottom of my list.
Anonymous B replied with this 13 years ago, 3 minutes later, 10 minutes after the original post[^][v]#448,371
@previous (Cat !TGirlYJKXM)
I actually can't bring myself to say that you don't need one. (You really don't need one, but this is where the future is headed...) Do you have a smartphone?
Cat !TGirlYJKXM (OP) replied with this 13 years ago, 9 minutes later, 20 minutes after the original post[^][v]#448,372
@previous (B)
I actually do not have a smartphone and I actually put that higher up on my list along with a HDTV. I literally have no idea what the fuck I am looking for in terms of plans. I would like to be able to actually use the smartphone at times. Like maybe if I am in a wifi zone waiting for a bus that is late I could turn on Netflix for example. Aren't most tablet apps available for smartphones anyway? So wouldn't a smartphone be a better investment than a tablet?
Metæ joined in and replied with this 13 years ago, 8 minutes later, 28 minutes after the original post[^][v]#448,373
@OP
I got a tablet (Barnes and Noble Nook HD+) back in June and I now do 90% of my computing on it. It's so much lighter and smaller and convenient than a laptop, but more powerful than a smartphone. Reading books is also much, much better than on a PC. I've gone weeks without using my laptop, it's that good.
The main thing for me is the display. The resolution is 1920x1280 but it's on a 8.9" screen, so text is dramatically sharper, reducing eyestrain (which has bothered me all my life). Now when I use my laptop everything looks grainy and dim in comparison.
I worried it would be silly and frivolous and it would gather dust but I love it.
Metæ double-posted this 13 years ago, 11 minutes later, 40 minutes after the original post[^][v]#448,375
@448,372 (Cat !TGirlYJKXM) > Aren't most tablet apps available for smartphones anyway? So wouldn't a smartphone be a better investment than a tablet?
They are, but there is a big difference between a 4" screen and a 9-10" screen. A good analogy would be a smartphone is like ao moped (small but low powered), a tablet is like a sports car, and a laptop is like a truck. They all do the same thing, but they all have their pros and cons and they're suited for different workloads.
For web browsing, watching videos, and casual computing a tablet really can't be beat, imo. You wouldn't want to do serious work on a tablet, but then you wouldn't want to haul a quarter ton of bricks with a Porsche 911 either.
Cat !TGirlYJKXM (OP) replied with this 13 years ago, 14 minutes later, 54 minutes after the original post[^][v]#448,377
@previous (Metæ)
I was attached to a smartphone because of, well, the phone part of it while still having access to the web.
Anonymous B replied with this 13 years ago, 1 minute later, 55 minutes after the original post[^][v]#448,378
@OP
I'm going to have to side with Meta here. I know more than a few people who have abandoned their laptop for their tablet. Disclaimer: I am a crazy person who runs GNU/Linux and bought a tablet just to write Android apps so he could brush up on his Java coding. My choice of primary computing device should not be your choice of primary computing device. If you don't have a smartphone, then you are missing out on how computing is going to look in the future. You should probably just get a fucking tablet. Really.
Cat !TGirlYJKXM (OP) replied with this 13 years ago, 8 minutes later, 1 hour after the original post[^][v]#448,381
@previous (B)
So you recommend a tablet over a smartphone?
Anonymous B replied with this 13 years ago, 9 minutes later, 1 hour after the original post[^][v]#448,385
@previous (Cat !TGirlYJKXM)
It's iffy. If you mainly need a phone/SMS service, then you should opt for a phone with some capability as a computing device. If you need a new, portable primary computing device with maybe some capability as a phone, then a tablet is probably the place to go. I would say avoid Windows crap, but -see disclaimer above- I might be biased.
Actually, just take Meta's advice. I think he's probably leading you in the right direction.
Metæ replied with this 13 years ago, 38 minutes later, 1 hour after the original post[^][v]#448,398
@448,381 (Cat !TGirlYJKXM)
Whether or not to get a smartphone depends on how often you're away from home. I only use mine when I'm at work or need to look something up really quick when I'm shopping. I never use it at home because browsing on a 4" screen is miserable. I guess you could get one of those huge phones (like the Galaxy Note) but they're too big to be a phone, and too small to be a tablet. It's an awkward compromise.
A good Android tablet can now be your primary/only computing device. You can even get a bluetooth keyboard and do serious word processing on a tablet. Tablets will be the future. When the iPad came out, I thought they were a silly fad like netbooks (remember those lol?) but now I am convinced. Desktops and laptops will still be around, but as more specialized tools for serious work/gaming.
As for an HDTV, I don't see the point myself. You can get a tablet with an HD display and watch shows from Hulu/Netflix/torrents and get the same experience. I guess you might need one to hook a game console into, but they're all HDMI now and you can get a 23 inch 1080p monitor and hook it up.
I agree with Anon B. Stay away from Windows. I don't see any future for Windows 8 phones/tablets. They were an unstoppable juggernaut in the '90s but their day in the sun is now fading into dusk. Google is the Microsoft of the post-PC era.
(Edited 1 minute later.)
doctor dw md !jdTkvovFCQ joined in and replied with this 13 years ago, 2 hours later, 4 hours after the original post[^][v]#448,407
Consider a phone/tablet like the galaxy note or the asus padfone
Anonymous E joined in and replied with this 13 years ago, 49 minutes later, 4 hours after the original post[^][v]#448,409
Get a Mac. They just work. Thanks.
Anonymous F joined in and replied with this 13 years ago, 27 minutes later, 5 hours after the original post[^][v]#448,410
Tablets are okay. They are awesome for reading books and browsing and checking mail and stuff. But in the end I would choose a decent smartphone (Nexus 5) to supplement for a tablet abilities + a phone at same time. Save money this way. Unless you're getting like a 10" tablet + lower end but still good smartphone (like Nokia 521) which is the ultimate combo but costs more.
!KThEOwLwbU joined in and replied with this 13 years ago, 2 hours later, 8 hours after the original post[^][v]#448,436
Granulate granulate granulate
Get a phone and a nook and a tablet if you like although I don't like them myself and a windows 7 desktop
Cat !TGirlYJKXM (OP) replied with this 13 years ago, 3 hours later, 11 hours after the original post[^][v]#448,469
@448,398 (Metæ)
What about Apple products? Are they reliable or a piece of shit as people claim?
Turns out that the HDTV (which I primary want for my consoles) will be a Xmas present this year leaving me free to pick up a tablet or a smartphone.
I also find it cool how I wouldn't need to use my home phone for therapy sessions anymore and I'd probably be away more often next Spring.
Can tablets still access Skype?
doctor dw md !jdTkvovFCQ replied with this 13 years ago, 2 minutes later, 11 hours after the original post[^][v]#448,470
@previous (Cat !TGirlYJKXM)
android and windows phone have skype apps, ios probably too
Anonymous B replied with this 13 years ago, 12 minutes later, 11 hours after the original post[^][v]#448,472
@448,469 (Cat !TGirlYJKXM)
Pretty much any tablet you get running a major OS (iOS, Android, Windows) will let you Skype.
Cat !TGirlYJKXM (OP) replied with this 13 years ago, 18 minutes later, 12 hours after the original post[^][v]#448,475
@previous (B)
And Android is the better of the three, yes?
Which tablet models (other than the Nook) do you suggest?
Can you really find iPad 1 and 2s for cheap now? Are they still recommended?
doctor dw md !jdTkvovFCQ replied with this 13 years ago, 56 seconds later, 12 hours after the original post[^][v]#448,476
@previous (Cat !TGirlYJKXM)
these questions are subjectiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiive
Anonymous B replied with this 13 years ago, 4 minutes later, 12 hours after the original post[^][v]#448,478
Cat !TGirlYJKXM (OP) replied with this 13 years ago, 9 hours later, 21 hours after the original post[^][v]#448,514
I might as well ask this here. My mother apparently had an interest in a tablet herself, but like me, always put it low on her electronic want list because she felt it wasn't a necessity. She found this tablet on Wal-Mart's website for $44. Now she is very frugal so sometimes her choices for electronic products leaves much to be desired. Costumer reviews seem to rate this product high, but I remain skeptical as to rather or not it's worth the price. What does everyone here think?
Anonymous B replied with this 13 years ago, 18 minutes later, 22 hours after the original post[^][v]#448,518
@previous (Cat !TGirlYJKXM) > 1GHz processor > 512MB RAM of system memory and 4GB on-board storage memory > 800 x 480 resolution
Apparently Google Play does not come pre-installed, so you'll have to do that yourself if want more than the pre-installed apps. That 800x400 resolution will probably really bug anyone used to higher resolution screens. I don't see anything about Bluetooth, so you probably can't attach any accessories like keyboards or other interface devices. It's probably a decent piece of technology for the price, but, between the low RAM and low resolution, you won't be doing anything too amazing with it.
(Edited 3 minutes later.)
Cat !TGirlYJKXM (OP) replied with this 13 years ago, 2 minutes later, 22 hours after the original post[^][v]#448,519
@previous (B)
I assume this also applies for the 8gb model too? This reminds me, how do you install apps for tablets?
Anonymous B replied with this 13 years ago, 17 minutes later, 22 hours after the original post[^][v]#448,520
@previous (Cat !TGirlYJKXM) > I assume this also applies for the 8gb model too?
Looks like pretty much the same set of issues here too. These seem like fun tablets to play around with, just don't expect too much from them.
> This reminds me, how do you install apps for tablets?
Most commonly through some central app store. (App Store on iOS, Google Play on Android, and Microsoft probably has some similar thing. This is why I cite the lack of Google Play as an issue above.) A lot of the apps available are offered for free or have free versions with advertising, so it's more a centralized clearing house for apps rather than a store.
You can also install apps to your device yourself, but you generally have to jump through a few more hoops and have some familiarity with the OS in order to accomplish this.
Anonymous B double-posted this 13 years ago, 1 hour later, 1 day after the original post[^][v]#448,525
@448,519 (Cat !TGirlYJKXM)
I really don't mean to talk these tablets down. (I am actually thinking of buying one now. For the price, it would be fun to have another device handy.) If you don't own a tablet, this might be a fun introduction. You will probably want "more" eventually though and end up spending money for something that you could have bought in the first place. You can install Google Play on these (apparently, according to Google, I haven't tried) yourself, so it might be fun as a learner's tool to playing with Android. If you can learn enough about about how to work Android, it's a solid device to play with and a good introduction to tablets. It will run most apps and games (and Skype... probably) easily. It's certainly not an "investment" of any sort as this is the bottom end of the tablet market, but it might be fun to play with.
Metæ replied with this 13 years ago, 1 hour later, 1 day after the original post[^][v]#448,538
@448,514 (Cat !TGirlYJKXM)
I used to sell computers and those off-brand cheap Chinese tablets are junk and always get returned. Someday you'll be able to get a nice tablet for $50 but thats a few years from now. If you're looking for low price, Asus has a 7" one for $109. But don't get the no-name brand cheap one unless you really know what you're doing.
(Edited 2 minutes later.)
Metæ double-posted this 13 years ago, 22 minutes later, 1 day after the original post[^][v]#448,539
This Asus tablet for $99 isn't bad: quad core 1.0 GHz processor, 1GB RAM, and Android 4.1 It's got a webcam so you can do Skype on it, it's also got Google Play so you can all the apps you want, and 16GB memory to store them on. It also comes in pink and white. @OP
(Edited 1 minute later.)
beckyderp !8ElfFaoFao joined in and replied with this 13 years ago, 5 minutes later, 1 day after the original post[^][v]#448,540
@previous (Metæ)
I have absolutely no need for a tablet. Should I get it?
Metæ replied with this 13 years ago, 4 minutes later, 1 day after the original post[^][v]#448,541
@previous (beckyderp !8ElfFaoFao)
It depends on your lifestyle and usage patterns. Do you want a computer that's lighter and smaller than a laptop, but more powerful than a smartphone?
beckyderp !8ElfFaoFao replied with this 13 years ago, 1 minute later, 1 day after the original post[^][v]#448,542
@previous (Metæ)
No, I have no use for such a device.
Metæ replied with this 13 years ago, 2 minutes later, 1 day after the original post[^][v]#448,544
@previous (beckyderp !8ElfFaoFao)
I would recommend you buy an iPad, and carry it everywhere in a really expensive leather bag (something that costs $600-ish, maybe made out of saddles) and post about it incessantly.
beckyderp !8ElfFaoFao replied with this 13 years ago, 3 hours later, 1 day after the original post[^][v]#448,550
Anonymous K joined in and replied with this 13 years ago, 6 hours later, 1 day after the original post[^][v]#448,592
@OP
get something with a high ppi, not an ipad mini
the new nexus is good bang for your buck
you can use usb on the go for any extra storage you may need, any android device should support it
it allows you to connect pretty much any usb device to the micro usb connection http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USB_On-The-Go
(Edited 1 minute later.)
Syntax joined in and replied with this 13 years ago, 20 minutes later, 1 day after the original post[^][v]#448,594
@448,544 (Metæ) > maybe made out of saddles) and post about it incessantly.
Spilled some of my Triple Espresso reading that ...Laffin
Cat !TGirlYJKXM (OP) replied with this 13 years ago, 25 minutes later, 1 day after the original post[^][v]#448,596
@448,592 (K)
I assume you're referring to Nexus 7?
@448,539 (Metæ)
Could this run streaming services like Netflix or Hulu Plus?
Cat !TGirlYJKXM (OP) double-posted this 13 years ago, 30 minutes later, 1 day after the original post[^][v]#448,597
I was looking up Nook HD and it looks pretty affordable even for a 16gb. It looks like it will do what I expect to be doing on it. But what is the difference between "Snow" and "Smoke"? I assume this is just the color of the tablet?
!KThEOwLwbU replied with this 13 years ago, 2 minutes later, 1 day after the original post[^][v]#448,598
Cat !TGirlYJKXM (OP) replied with this 13 years ago, 25 minutes later, 1 day after the original post[^][v]#448,599
@448,373 (Metæ)
What do you think of a Nook HD 7" tablet?
Do you also recommend 16gb model or will a 8gb model suffice?
squeegee joined in and replied with this 13 years ago, 33 minutes later, 1 day after the original post[^][v]#448,604
I have a surface and it's pretty cool. I've noticed that it sometimes has a hard time knowing what I'm intending to do, unlike my android phone that seems to know exactly what I'm doing even if I'm being sloppy about it.
I don't have an example, but it's like I'm messing with my galaxy note and I think, oh it would be cool if it did such-and-so, or works like this, and I try it and it does work like that or does such-and-so. And I think wow that's so intuitive.
But with the surface it's more like how do i make it do such-and-so, it doesn't work when I do this. Oh. It would be easier if I could just do this like on my phone.
That's exactly what surface is like.
But with office.
(Edited 1 minute later.)
Metæ replied with this 13 years ago, 25 minutes later, 1 day after the original post[^][v]#448,608
@448,599 (Cat !TGirlYJKXM)
I have the 8.9" version, Nook HD+ and it's a fantastic tablet, especially for $149. Would definitely buy again.
Cat !TGirlYJKXM (OP) replied with this 13 years ago, 23 minutes later, 1 day after the original post[^][v]#448,610
@previous (Metæ)
Does it stream videos good (i.e. Netflix and YouTube)? I thought the Nook HD+ was a 10" screen?
Metæ replied with this 13 years ago, 15 minutes later, 1 day after the original post[^][v]#448,612
@previous (Cat !TGirlYJKXM)
Yes, and Nook HD+ is 8.9 inches. Keep in mind, though, the Nook HD/HD+ has no webcam, so Skype calls will be audio-only.
Cat !TGirlYJKXM (OP) replied with this 13 years ago, 1 hour later, 1 day after the original post[^][v]#448,622
Do any of you recommend getting refurbished models or are they just not suggested?
vocalon !74TdoRkjCc joined in and replied with this 13 years ago, 21 minutes later, 1 day after the original post[^][v]#448,623
imo they're more or less just for that futuristic aesthetic and aren't really good for much else
but like a wacom drawing tablet would do someone with artistic inclination good though
not much else
Cat !TGirlYJKXM (OP) replied with this 13 years ago, 35 minutes later, 1 day after the original post[^][v]#448,629
I did a search on eBay for a Google Nexus 7 and found a product that is factory refurnished for the same price of a Nook HD+ 16gb that comes in the original box and with the accessories.
Would you all consider this a good offer?
Anonymous K replied with this 13 years ago, 6 hours later, 2 days after the original post[^][v]#448,663
the screen on the nook is pure shit
and its THE thing you have to look at the most
Anonymous N joined in and replied with this 13 years ago, 15 hours later, 2 days after the original post[^][v]#448,764
@448,629 (Cat !TGirlYJKXM)
I fell a sleep last night, did you buy it?
Ks !KansasxqvM joined in and replied with this 13 years ago, 27 minutes later, 2 days after the original post[^][v]#448,769
That Nexus Meta found looks nice - especially for that price.