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Why do people buy tablets ?
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scruffpot
28-10-2012
Originally Posted by JasonWatkins:
“I suppose you have to rewind about 20 odd years to get a comparison of sorts. How many people have come back from a holiday or a special event (wedding?) with a big wedge of polaroid photos that they want to show people ?

To do that today, you'd likely pass the person your phone or tablet.



See this, for me, seems to suggest that you have this perception that people will just randomly sit beside you, thrusting their tablets under your nose to show you all sorts of pictures and videos.

I would have thought that most people do have the choice about whether or not to view someone's photos and/or videos in certain social situations.

But then if you're sitting there with a couple of friends who have come back from a holiday they've enjoyed and they offer to show you some pictures, would you say "No Thanks" or would you politely accept the offer of the relevant device to have a look ?

That, for me, is how that notion would work.

Same goes for, for the sake of argument, an elderly parent or relative. Do you think it would be better for them to see pictures of nieces and nephews on a small phone screen or a much larger tablet screen ?”

in my experience the concept of being shown photos and videos by other people by them thrusting their devices under my nose has grown thanks to tablets and phones and also with social media. I've had it 4 times this week, 2 friends a work colleague and a stranger on a bus who was randomly talking to me.
It could be argued by us using these devices sharing photos and videos we are looking for confirmation and wanting receipt/giving of emotional strokes off one another, what do you think the Like button is on Facebook. It goes towards pack mentality and wanting acceptance... there's a book about social media and its psychology i can't remember the name..

In the olden days (says grandad) you could choose to not go over someone's house to see their pictures where as someone with a tablet or a phone will have it always with them and will show you
BrokenArrow
28-10-2012
Originally Posted by ScampDoodle:
“I don't own a tablet, though have considered it.

As a web developer a tablet wouldn't really be a replacement for the computer because I can't do any programming/builds on one - unless it was a really expensive 'laptop sans-keyboard'.

But I do also do write in my spare time, which was the main reason I considered it, to be able to pull out a device to write on that is no bigger than a notebook would be ideal. However, I tend to do alot of my writing on my phone.

I did borrow one from work (iPad) but used it for all of 20 minutes over a 4 day weekend.

I often ask myself, other than it being yet another screen, what is the point? especially when we already have 2 laptops, 2 smartphones in the house?”

Same, I am a developer and the only reason I would buy a tablet is to develop apps and make money from them. I have no interest in actually using one myself.

The only trouble is, the development tools are archaic and almost unusable compared to the tools that you can get for a proper computer.

Why would anybody want to program a large application in a fairly useless scripting language like Java ?

If they were to come up with a decent programming system then I might be tempted.
ScampDoodle
28-10-2012
BrokenArrow, exactly, if I were to develop for either iOS or Android i'd still need a computer to do it on.

That being said, as stated in another thread, at home, I prefer OSX to windows, though at work I use a PC as my development work is in c# and it is the work set up.

So if I were to buy a tablet, it would be an apple one, and probably the iPad mini now that it is on sale but that is purely because it 'fits in' with my lifestyle at home/on the move which is primarily apple. I do have a PC but still prefer OSX to windows 7.

I've not used many Android devices so can't comment, but my preference is for the 'one with the fruit'
Dirty Rooster
28-10-2012
Originally Posted by BrokenArrow:
“...But tablets, whats the point ? ...

...Well why not just buy a netbook for half the price in the first place then, duh ?”

I've used my friend's iPad for looking at webpages about where to visit that day, and browsing photos, tasks which would have been easier on a PC or laptop but the Tablet was there, and it was on, and that's because it has a 'niceness' that makes people want to have it there and on.
Rodney McKay
28-10-2012
It's a good question, the issue is how usable is a netbook on the go say on a bus or a train or plane? Battery life can be poor (unless you have a bigger battery pack) with a netbook and also it's what you are doing.

A tablet is ideal for consuming information (they call it lean forward or lean back I think which means are you just consuming media, sitting back in your chair or leaning forward and producing media or information on a computer) on the move. Even a 4 inch screen on my mobile gets tiring on the eyes after a short period. A tablet is better for that.

However, there are times when at home I'd rather get a laptop or my trusty netbook out to work. If I had to choose only one device to take with me for general use I'd probably go for the netbook over my iPad.

It's a good question and one for which there is no one answer for everyone.
Smudged
28-10-2012
I'm planning to get one for a relative for Xmas but I'm not sure how much it will actually be used. The theory is it will keep young kids occupied with websites/youtube/videos/games and also be handy for adults to have Internet access sitting on the sofa. It's one of the reasons I'm going for a cheap tablet from China. If it gets used alot maybe I'll get a Nexus or something in the future.
BrokenArrow
28-10-2012
Originally Posted by Dirty Rooster:
“I've used my friend's iPad for looking at webpages about where to visit that day, and browsing photos, tasks which would have been easier on a PC or laptop but the Tablet was there, and it was on, and that's because it has a 'niceness' that makes people want to have it there and on.”

My Laptop is always on, I just lift the lid and its exactly as I left it in 2 seconds.
test45
28-10-2012
I'll be getting an iPad when the 4 is release next Friday which will be my first tablet.

There are a few reasons why I've decided to make the jump (having moved from a desktop machine to a laptop for most of my computer usage over the last few years already).

It's a simplified (perhaps even dumbed down) method of computing but if I'm honest thats something I'd like at home. I spend most of my worktime sat entrenched behind a computer screen. I've realised as time goes by that I don't like then returning home and doing exactly the same.

The idea of being able to quickly switch the iPad on browse the internet for a short while and then put it back down again appeals. I also like the idea of being able to move around from room to room easily with the device. I can do this with my current 15" laptop but switching it off and on is a bit more cumbersome. It also tends to only give a few hours before it's drained its battery (especially when viewing videos) so I need to be close to a power socket and carry the charger with me).

Netbooks don't really appeal to me. I think they'd feel far too much like a compromised laptop (giving the impression of being a fully fledged computer but lacking the processor, memory or graphic specs to do anything useful on). An Ultrabook perhaps, docked to a external monitor when needing to a big screen but off and portable when not. These tend to be pricer than tablets though (a Macbook Air 11" would be £850 for the base model).

Ultimately I've still got my laptop for when more heavy computing is needed. I'm hoping not to have to use this too much though and switch to more casual and lighter computer usage in my free time.
pinot_noir
28-10-2012
I've just bought a Kindle Fire HD. I have Ehlers Danlos Syndrome with a degree of dyspraxia and smartphones don't really suit me because they're too fiddly and not much good as phones. I use a laptop, but I don't take it out much because I'm limited in what I can haul around. I'm going on holiday tomorrow and I'm looking forward to staying in touch and being entertained whilst on the move.
alan1302
28-10-2012
Originally Posted by scruffpot:
“But do people actually want to be shown photos and videos by other people? Or do we all show a fake interest for example being shown other people's holiday photos?”

My mother in law specifically asked to see photos from our holiday which I used mt tablet to show her - so yes, some people really do want to see them
alan1302
28-10-2012
Originally Posted by LostFool:
“In my experience most people show their photos and videos via Facebook or Flickr.”

Not everyone does though...I don't!
tojoxj
28-10-2012
Originally Posted by alan1302:
“Not everyone does though...I don't! ”

Koantemplation shows her badger on hers.
alan1302
28-10-2012
Originally Posted by tojoxj:
“Koantemplation shows her badger on hers.”

I see LOL
corf
29-10-2012
I was very skeptical of the tablets - likewise the netbooks prior to them. Fast forward a few years and I love my iPad. My laptop very rarely gets turned on nowadays.

It is easy and comfortable to use on the sofa or in bed - much more comfortable than a laptop and does all the basic internet things that most people want very well - Browsing, email, watching, listening, games etc.
welwynrose
29-10-2012
I use mine every day - I find it great to watch videos on whilst doing my commute, it sits on the side at home whilst I'm watching tv but I'll pick it up to surf the net or play a couple of games whilst watching telly if the programme doesn't hold my interest - I've also used it as a receipe book in the kitchen - since owning it my laptop has hardly been out of it's case
Stilian
29-10-2012
I guess the main reason is that they have some extra money to spend . Probably just few of all buyers really need the tablet they bought, but this with most products these days, we constantly buy stuff we don't need.
paulbrock
29-10-2012
Originally Posted by Stilian:
“I guess the main reason is that they have some extra money to spend . Probably just few of all buyers really need the tablet they bought, but this with most products these days, we constantly buy stuff we don't need.”

Guilty as charged. It was shiny and I had some spare cash. Having said that, when replacing my dying laptop, I'll be considering tablet alternatives.
NaturalDancer
29-10-2012
Originally Posted by kidspud:
“Using that logic, I assume you don't own a TV”

hahahahaha
NaturalDancer
29-10-2012
Originally Posted by Stilian:
“I guess the main reason is that they have some extra money to spend . Probably just few of all buyers really need the tablet they bought, but this with most products these days, we constantly buy stuff we don't need.”

What do you mean 'buy stuff we don't need' you may just want that stuff but I NEED it
Stilian
29-10-2012
Originally Posted by NaturalDancer:
“What do you mean 'buy stuff we don't need' you may just want that stuff but I NEED it ”

Youuu... you are bad
Lysandar
29-10-2012
I love my IPad.
Why?
Supreme ease of use.
Anytime, anywhere.
(I can Skype my Granny from Timbucktoo).
No wires.
10 hours battery life.
Immediate access to all my photos, docs and music.
Check anything on the Net in seconds.
Pops into a bag.
..and much more....
calico_pie
29-10-2012
Originally Posted by Stewie_C:
“Another one who can't see the point of tablets. I recently went on holiday to Italy, and at one tourist site there was a group of people all taking pictures with ipads - looked ridiculous, especially as the image quality is crap.”

Tablets certainly aren't ideal to use as cameras, but the camera on the current iPads are certainly better than crap.

As for photos, I think it's difficult to argue that anything is better suited to showing photos than a tablet. I'm sure plenty of people are interested in seeing other people's photos.

Maybe it's hard to justify having a tablet if you have any of: computer, laptop, smartphone. But for me a tablet is better than any for picking up on the sofa. And a laptop is great for portability between locations, but a tablet is great for portability in the home.
Lollytroll
30-10-2012
I have mine as it saves space in my bag. I am a part time youth leader and do different things each which had note pad and scraps of paper when I forgot my books. It was bamboo paper app which did it for me, I saw my friend using it and having all her note pads in one place I was sold. I also like that I have my diary and bible always with me again without having loads of books.
Being able download iplayer stuff to watch later is great also.
Lysandar
30-10-2012
Originally Posted by welwynrose:
“I use mine every day - I find it great to watch videos on whilst doing my commute, it sits on the side at home whilst I'm watching tv but I'll pick it up to surf the net or play a couple of games whilst watching telly if the programme doesn't hold my interest - I've also used it as a receipe book in the kitchen - since owning it my laptop has hardly been out of it's case”

Exactly.
Since having my IPad3, my PC is more or less just a piece of furniture.
Only used for 'heavy' computing work.
Magic Cottage
30-10-2012
Perhaps people buy tablets because it is their personal choice and they have found a particular use for them in their lifestyles?
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