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Tablet buying help
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Babycakes15
21-08-2013
Hi all! I'm looking to buy a tablet, I've read a few reviews online, from a variety of sources because I wanted to get a broad idea of what's available, but they all differ so much it just confused me even more. Also, I'm terrible with jargon so some of it is lost on me. It's mainly for everyday use and to take with me when I go travelling

I'd like all, or at least the majority of these:
'New' technology. I don't fancy buying something that will be really outdated in a few months.
Something with a good record for not breaking, freezing etc.
Ease of use
A good variety of Apps
Design

I know I'm being a bit picky, but the choice is so overwhelming. I don't want to buy one and end up hating it. Thank you
alan1302
21-08-2013
Originally Posted by Babycakes15:
“I'd like all, or at least the majority of these:
'New' technology. I don't fancy buying something that will be really outdated in a few months.
Something with a good record for not breaking, freezing etc.
Ease of use
A good variety of Apps
Design”

Either the iPad or Nexus rage would be a good starting place.

All technology is outdated in a few months!
BKM
21-08-2013
Originally Posted by alan1302:
“Either the iPad or Nexus rage would be a good starting place.

All technology is outdated in a few months!”

Yes - it VERY much depends on what the OP wants to do! I sold my previous IPad2 to an undemanding new tablet user and she finds it totally wonderful!
alanwarwic
21-08-2013
If you can cope with lack of GPS and camera the Nook HD+ currently at £150 is the best out there.
When first released it failed, not having the Play app store nor Chrome. But they rescinded that glaring error in May.
ssr
21-08-2013
Consider this, bargain for £92.49

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.d...d=512507340525
paulj48
21-08-2013
Originally Posted by ssr:
“Consider this, bargain for £92.49

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.d...d=512507340525”

That's essentially a second hand unit, this is a quote from the webpage'Seller refurbished: An item that has been restored to working order by the eBay seller or a third party not approved by the manufacturer.'

This means its been given a quick wipe and then put back in the box and hope for the best.
paulbrock
21-08-2013
7-8" or 10"?

10" is generally better for predominantly home use, 7-8" can be used on the move more..

Approx budget?
Pucky
21-08-2013
Go to PC World and/or Apple store and have a play with the tablets they have on display and find out what you like. You don't have to buy the tablet from there but at least you'll see what you like.

The problem with advice like this is it's subjective. I have the Galaxy Note 10.1 so will recommend that as I think it's great. The next poster may have an iPad and would recommend that! Have a look at what you like and then come back with a couple of suggestions and then we'll be able to give you further advice.
TheBigM
21-08-2013
As far as designed-for-tablets app choice, ease of use of UI, build quality, reliability etc iPad is your only option, I wouldn't even consider anything else.

You could consider the Nexus 7 if your desire is to run phone apps blown up to 7" but not anything else.
paulbrock
21-08-2013
Originally Posted by Pucky:
“The next poster may have an iPad and would recommend that!”

The next poster seemed to be a little more blinkered than that
alan1302
21-08-2013
Originally Posted by paulbrock:
“The next poster seemed to be a little more blinkered than that ”

They certainly did! LOL
ssr
21-08-2013
Originally Posted by paulj48:
“That's essentially a second hand unit, this is a quote from the webpage'Seller refurbished: An item that has been restored to working order by the eBay seller or a third party not approved by the manufacturer.'

This means its been given a quick wipe and then put back in the box and hope for the best.”

They sold 77 in a few hours, so that I guess must be a bargain. Any fault return for full refund, so no risk
paulbrock
21-08-2013
deleted
alan1302
21-08-2013
Originally Posted by paulj48:
“That's essentially a second hand unit, this is a quote from the webpage'Seller refurbished: An item that has been restored to working order by the eBay seller or a third party not approved by the manufacturer.'

This means its been given a quick wipe and then put back in the box and hope for the best.”

Nowt wrong with second hand stuff
swordman
21-08-2013
I would certainly have gone for the Nook HD+ it was below £150 in many places but a quick check seems to indicate it has gone back up in price to £179.00.

If your on a budget and want near latest spec this seems ok
http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Search...uctInformation

refurb but with argos so no issues there.
alanwarwic
21-08-2013
A very quick check.

It is still available,at £150 (16GB) in most places. And John Lewis still have the 32GB with their usual 2 year warranty.
And 2nd hand it is £115 for grade A at CEX, which is worth a gamble for a fast light, usably sized, retina tablet.
With that SD slot you are also future covered.

You can obviously run the Kindle app on the Nook so whilst extremely similar to the Kindle 8.9 HD, it wins not being a similarly restricted tablet any more..
swordman
21-08-2013
your right was looking at 32gb but can't see many 16 about

Retina tablet please
alanwarwic
21-08-2013
I am a little surprised you can still find some, but both 16 and 32 are currently plentiful.

their Nook e-reader increased sales 100 fold. Whilst much of the US press liked the tablets whist useless (a near empty Nook apps store) the reduced price tablet got little press when overnight, they dual switched to being full Android.

CNET still manages common sense in many of their US reports though, also raising their score on the tablet when it got Play.
http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-33153_7...buy-a-nook-hd/
http://reviews.cnet.com/tablets/barn...-35472167.html
paulj48
22-08-2013
Originally Posted by alan1302:
“ Nowt wrong with second hand stuff”

from a car boot or private Ebay seller maybe
Babycakes15
22-08-2013
Thank you! I've done a bit of research and I really like the look of the Nexus 10, but I think I'll do a little bit more as the lack of 3G is a bit of a problem.

Does anybody have the Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 10.1? I can get that in 3g, but it seems to have mixed reviews online
Anika Hanson
22-08-2013
Originally Posted by Babycakes15:
“Thank you! I've done a bit of research and I really like the look of the Nexus 10, but I think I'll do a little bit more as the lack of 3G is a bit of a problem.

Does anybody have the Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 10.1? I can get that in 3g, but it seems to have mixed reviews online”

You can tether your smartphone to the nexus 10 to give you Internet on the go. I have the Galaxy tab 2 10.1 and think it's a great Tablet. It performs well enough with things like Web browsing, watching videos, emails, etc. However as you said you wanted something future proof, then I wouldn't recommend the tab 2. It has a dual core processor and a 720p screen resolution. It also may never get updated beyond jelly bean.
TheBigM
22-08-2013
Originally Posted by paulbrock:
“The next poster seemed to be a little more blinkered than that ”

If you're going to refer to my post, at least have the balls to do so directly and actually address me.

Look at my recent post history in this tablet sub-forum. I've often not recommended iPads and have recommended other devices, always based on the needs/wants stated by an OP.

I would recommend an Android tablet if I thought it met the bill.

Typical people on the internet, anyone with a different opinion to them is blinkered/fanboy/etc.
alan1302
22-08-2013
Originally Posted by TheBigM:
“If you're going to refer to my post, at least have the balls to do so directly and actually address me. ”

Put your handbag away
alan1302
22-08-2013
Originally Posted by paulj48:
“from a car boot or private Ebay seller maybe”

Or from a shop
Babycakes15
22-08-2013
Originally Posted by Anika Hanson:
“You can tether your smartphone to the nexus 10 to give you Internet on the go. I have the Galaxy tab 2 10.1 and think it's a great Tablet. It performs well enough with things like Web browsing, watching videos, emails, etc. However as you said you wanted something future proof, then I wouldn't recommend the tab 2. It has a dual core processor and a 720p screen resolution. It also may never get updated beyond jelly bean.”

I was thinking about tethering the tablet to my phone, but I think I'd end up going over my data allowance and having a hefty phone bill.

I went into town to try out a few tablets today, but they only had display models for iPads. I wouldn't mind an iPad, but I do like Android, I'm used to it with my phone
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