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iPad or Windows tablet?
November_Rain
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I'm a happy Nexus 7 user but I am toying with the idea of getting a second tablet as the 7" screen isn't ideal for surfing the web. I'm fancying something different from Android for a change as I also have the Nexus 4.
That means the only real options are the iPad or a Windows tablet. Having dabbled with a friend's and my brother's iPads and liked them I'm leaning more towards the iPad (my experience with Windows tablets is very limited).
However, the lower cost and flexibility of Windows tablets is quite tempting.
As I would mostly be using it for web browsing anything else is a bonus (I will continue to use the N7 for apps and media). I just need something that's snappy, performs well and provides excellent value for money.
What would be a better buy and why?
That means the only real options are the iPad or a Windows tablet. Having dabbled with a friend's and my brother's iPads and liked them I'm leaning more towards the iPad (my experience with Windows tablets is very limited).
However, the lower cost and flexibility of Windows tablets is quite tempting.
As I would mostly be using it for web browsing anything else is a bonus (I will continue to use the N7 for apps and media). I just need something that's snappy, performs well and provides excellent value for money.
What would be a better buy and why?
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What type of windows tablet are you planning to get - RC or Pro?
Windows has a better OS than the iPhone which stayed much the same since iPad 1
The big downside for Windows is the lack of apps.. Apple has a considerable amount more. It would be worth checking out in the Windows store and see if there are any must have apps for you that are missing.
I'm not a huge app user.. games are a bit naff on the pads and I only need a few essentials so I'm not worried about the app shortage.
The other issue is that Windows RT is due a big overwhaul soon,,, its poor sales have caused microsoft to cut price but also to release a better version soo
Longer answer: I own an iPad and think it is a great device. I've also recently bought a Dell XPS 12 which is an ultrabook but the screen can rotate so it is like a thick tablet. I rarely use my iPad now and will probably sell it. Advantages to using a Windows tablet (8 and RT) over other tablets are you can run flash when browsing. Advantages to Windows 8 tablets specifically over RT and other platforms are you can use browsers with plugins like lastpass and adblock when browsing. Lastpass especially is a pretty crucial browser add-on for me. Additionally, the fact that my laptop/tablet is using an Ivy Bridge Core i5 means it is significantly more performant for browsing heavy websites than my iPad and I find the WiFi performs better too.
I find the thickness and weight of my Dell is not an issue when using it by a table or on your lap e.g. on a sofa or train seat, it would be an annoyance cradling it in my arm if standing up (compared to an iPad).
One advantage for the iPad over current windows tablets is that the iPad is 4:3 screen aspect ratio whereas the Windows ones are 16:9. 16:9 is better for videos but not so good for reading in portrait mode.
This post isn't comprehensive but has some things for you to think about.
They are expected to be lighter and slightly smaller, and will likely have the same finish as the iPad Mini.
The only real option, is to wait and see what temptation Apple offers with an iPad 5. In the shops later this year, apparently.
As for Windows Surface tablets, even Microsoft have finally realised how sub-standard those are. Not so much in terms of hardware, but the lack of serious App Store equivalent, the inelegant look, and the fact that these things can't make up their mind if they are supposed to be tablets or laptops.
The OPs stated use case was browsing the web. I think Metro IE offers a superior browsing experience to Safari on the iPad.
In theory an RT tablet would suffice but if they are due an overhaul soon I'll wait to see the outcome. The app shortage isn't an issue as I have my Nexus devices for that sort of thing.
That clears a few things up. Thank you.
Yes, I was going to get an iPad 2 but I'm not sure it'll really be worth it at this point. I'd rather wait for an announcement of the next gen model and see if I can get my hands on a discounted iPad 4.
Only when comparing like with like, is a bigger screen better.
Interestingly, I quite imagine past 11" everyone will also want a mouse or pointing stick to be there too.
One of the first ever tablets, the now ancient 12" Compaq 2710p got it right with its pointing stick.
Which is better, my tiny Nook HD or the iPad 2?
The HD has 65% more pixels but the iPad 2 a much bigger screen. Maybe they are fairly equal for indoor usage?
Secondly the iPad will still have a re-sale value in a year or 2, the windows RT will be a failed curiosity just like the old origami windows tablets from a few years back so any money you think you may save by getting a windows RT device will be eaten up by depreciation.
An iPad can't have a better screen than Windows RT because Windows is software. It would be like saying my iMac is thinner than your Final Cut Pro.
OK the Windows Surface RT then :rolleyes:
Personally, I'd avoid anything with RT like the plague. Its crippled from the start by trying to be a PC but without any of the flexibility and openness of a PC. If all you want to do is surf the web, and don't mind having no choice of browser (no Chrome or Firefox) and having no ability to customise with plug-ins or extensions (e.g. adblock), then maybe an RT tablet is for you.
But why start with so many disadvantaged when you don't need to?
So of the options you list, I'd go for the iPad because it has a massive app store so is more "future-proof"). I have serious doubts about the future of RT.
If not restricting my choice to Windows or iPad, I'd look at a larger Android based tablet if I were you. There are synergies across devices and although the Android eco-system isn't talked about as much as the Apple eco-system, its getting better with every release.
RT does have a plugin - it has flash. In any case, iPads don't allow plugins or extensions either. iPad also doesn't allow for a real choice of browser, you have to use webkit. Chrome on the iPad is just a chrome wrapper around safari. For a pure web browser, the iPad cant use its app store advantage and I could easily argue the RT as having a superior browser.
But I agree that getting an RT unless and until the app store improves is not a great idea, unless you really care about having Office on there too. iPad gives you access to iOS appstore so is a great choice although app argument diminahed by this tablet being in addition to the N7 and android is catching up for tablet apps.
Add a Bluetooth mouse and I can log into my work apps and have full functionality with superb multitasking.
I wouldn't go back to a iPad now but the lack of apps can be a problem for some.
Very helpful advice and no hard selling
Windows tablets are horrible to use, apps look so basic and its clunky
Would say iPad tablet is best and Android ones now good too
Just bought a Tab3 and almost matches my iPad
So a dumbed down 'this is your lot' experience can seem better.
I also recall testing a popular tablet in a national store just recent.
There was no web browser on the device.
What was that all about?
Sounds like someone 'testing' has taken it off.
All tablets come with a web browser.