Another tablet thread, last one was old

alfadriver wrote: I've never, ever, owned an android device, and I may try one. But the interface to me does not seem that straight forward. Not that Windows 8 is, but at least I'm familiar with that one (being what I use for normal computers).

That's why I say Windows would "simplify" the system. I'm looking at buying a laptop and a couple pads to use with the event management software we're buying for our club's autocross program. Most everybody can get around in Windows, and it's easiest for me to manage if they all share an operating platform.

Since they'll be under the tender loving care of various T&S volunteers on event days, iPads are way too expensive for my budget.

alfadriver wrote:

Swank Force One wrote:

ProDarwin wrote:

Swank Force One wrote: Well, i think the question last time was: Can a tablet replace a laptop? I found the answer. Yes, it can. Solution: Samsung Galaxy Tab Pro 12.2 + Samsung keyboard station. Will run you about $430 all in if you shop Fleabay, but it works.

So this is easy to use like a laptop... *on your lap*? The problem with most of the keyboard-with-a-tablet options my wife and I looked at was you basically needed to sit them on a table to use them. So no couch use.

I used it on my lap to create this thread. Was pretty easy. You can't swing the screen back and forth for optimum angle, but it's pretty balanced and the screen is waaaaaaaaaaay better than what i have on my laptops so angle is much less of a big deal.

ProDarwin's concern is the same one I have. So for your example, Swank- when you say ballance- is that with the "kick stand" or just ballancing on your lap? I do like how the sceen stays in place on a laptop, but also appreciate the ability to do other things as a tablet. My laptop is showing it's age (abit still young), so I'm going to look into it. I've never, ever, owned an android device, and I may try one. But the interface to me does not seem that straight forward. Not that Windows 8 is, but at least I'm familiar with that one (being what I use for normal computers). iPad isn't as much in the runnings, since it's ever so slightly more than a simple media device.

It's hard to explain.... how about i take pics of how the system works when i get home?

There's no kick stand to balance on your leg or anything. The keyboard becomes a platform that the tablet slots into. So, it's not adjustable, but you're just putting a base on your lap, nothing else.

Android is really easy to "figure out," in my opinion. If you're not doing heavy photo editing or office work (but even office work, there's some good apps out there), there's really no downside to a setup like what i've got vs a "real" laptop. You can't play PC games on it if that's a concern, but you also can't get a windows laptop worth gaming on for a similar price.

In reply to Swank Force One:

The picture sounds good.

It sounds like the keyboard is heavy enough + the slot strong enough that the combination just sits flat like a laptop. That may work- have to head to best buy to play with them, some.

alfadriver wrote: In reply to Swank Force One: The picture sounds good. It sounds like the keyboard is heavy enough + the slot strong enough that the combination just sits flat like a laptop. That may work- have to head to best buy to play with them, some.

The tablet is actually much heavier than the keyboard. It's some geometry wizardry, but yes, it just sits flat like a laptop. The overall package is shorter than a laptop so it feels a little weird for a couple days, but it's not drastic.

Is it still true that printing is prohibitively difficult via Android? Additionally, I was seeking (I think I was the OP of the old tablet/laptop post) something which could also do basic office software. The transformer really appeared to be the winner, until it fell apart piece by piece.

tuna55 wrote: Is it still true that printing is prohibitively difficult via Android? Additionally, I was seeking (I think I was the OP of the old tablet/laptop post) something which could also do basic office software. The transformer really appeared to be the winner, until it fell apart piece by piece.

Nah. I have my tablet (and both our phones for that matter) interfacing wirelessly with my printer. Many printers these days have apps on Google Play that make it pretty easy. Some of the office apps have the capability built in as well.

The phone thing is cool, actually. If i take a cool picture, i can just throw it over to the printer and get instant gratification. (Wife has a photo quality printer already for hobby use.) It's like a modern Wi-fi Polaroid.

Duke wrote:

alfadriver wrote: I've never, ever, owned an android device, and I may try one. But the interface to me does not seem that straight forward. Not that Windows 8 is, but at least I'm familiar with that one (being what I use for normal computers).

That's why I say Windows would "simplify" the system. I'm looking at buying a laptop and a couple pads to use with the event management software we're buying for our club's autocross program. Most everybody can get around in Windows, and it's easiest for me to manage if they all share an operating platform. Since they'll be under the tender loving care of various T&S volunteers on event days, iPads are way too expensive for my budget.

Yeah, it wouldn't really unless they all already use the latest version of Windows, which is a departure visually from previous versions of Windows. Also the Windows Surface tabs run a version of Windows which only allows tiles, uses a different processor architecture that makes it incompatible with the software running on your laptop and doesn't allow access to the standard Desktop like the full blown Windows laptops do. Windows Surface Tabs aren't that cheap (unless you buy some of the clearance models from way back) so you have to make sure your desired apps would run on a Windows Surface Tablet

With a Tablet that you'd use for that purpose, it wouldn't be difficult to simply install the required app on the device, launch it and leave it running. A cheap 'Driod tablet in a protective sleave would be cheap and would just run and if they get destroyed/damaged you're not out a bunch of club money. With Android 5.0 you can even lock it so that your chosen app is running:

http://stackoverflow.com/questions/24127947/lock-android-device-to-a-single-application

http://sdgsystems.com/blog/implementing-kiosk-mode-android-part-1/

Duke wrote:

alfadriver wrote: I've never, ever, owned an android device, and I may try one. But the interface to me does not seem that straight forward. Not that Windows 8 is, but at least I'm familiar with that one (being what I use for normal computers).

That's why I say Windows would "simplify" the system. I'm looking at buying a laptop and a couple pads to use with the event management software we're buying for our club's autocross program. Most everybody can get around in Windows, and it's easiest for me to manage if they all share an operating platform. Since they'll be under the tender loving care of various T&S volunteers on event days, iPads are way too expensive for my budget.

The thing to watch out for would be Windows apps that take text input, and aren't "Windows 8 apps,” aka Metro apps. Legacy desktop apps will run fine, but they don't coordinate well with the onscreen keyboard.

turboswede wrote:

Duke wrote:

alfadriver wrote: I've never, ever, owned an android device, and I may try one. But the interface to me does not seem that straight forward. Not that Windows 8 is, but at least I'm familiar with that one (being what I use for normal computers).

That's why I say Windows would "simplify" the system. I'm looking at buying a laptop and a couple pads to use with the event management software we're buying for our club's autocross program. Most everybody can get around in Windows, and it's easiest for me to manage if they all share an operating platform. Since they'll be under the tender loving care of various T&S volunteers on event days, iPads are way too expensive for my budget.

Yeah, it wouldn't really unless they all already use the latest version of Windows, which is a departure visually from previous versions of Windows. Also the Windows Surface tabs run a version of Windows which only allows tiles, uses a different processor architecture that makes it incompatible with the software running on your laptop and doesn't allow access to the standard Desktop like the full blown Windows laptops do. Windows Surface Tabs aren't that cheap (unless you buy some of the clearance models from way back) so you have to make sure your desired apps would run on a Windows Surface Tablet With a Tablet that you'd use for that purpose, it wouldn't be difficult to simply install the required app on the device, launch it and leave it running. A cheap 'Driod tablet in a protective sleave would be cheap and would just run and if they get destroyed/damaged you're not out a bunch of club money. With Android 5.0 you can even lock it so that your chosen app is running: http://stackoverflow.com/questions/24127947/lock-android-device-to-a-single-application http://sdgsystems.com/blog/implementing-kiosk-mode-android-part-1/

I'll add a little to clarify: Surface = Windows RT Surface Pro = Regular Windows

It's come out over the last week that Windows RT is dead, and the devices can't really move anywhere else, so I'd advise against buying RT unless you know what you're doing.

All right, thanks for that info. The main software is actually hosted on the laptop, and broadcasts over a wireless network. Then all connected devices use a browser interface with no actual software installed on each local device. As long as I can connect the Android stuff to the network quickly and easily, then that shouldn't be a problem.

Alfadriver, here's pics in front of my nail polish collection.

The keyboard also works as a cover for the tablet when you're done. Lift tablet out of slot, snap into keyboard dock face down. Keyboard isn't terribly small, since we're talking a 12.2" screen in this case.

Bumping this back up.

I had a coworker that bought a Galaxy Tab Pro 12.2 right when it was first released. He let me use it for a bit. I was blown away on how fast the damn thing ran. It utterly destroyed my Transformer Prime (TF201). I have since relegated the Transformer to alarm clock duty/media streamer since I never use it anymore. I have an Asus Chromebook running Linux for living room surfing duties but I really kinda miss a tablet.

I see Woot has refurbed Galaxy Tab Pro 12.2 32gb for $350. I don't need another tablet but I want one. I also have an Asus Chromebox connected to the flatscreen in case I need a bigger screen.

Plus, with my upcoming government furnished 6 month "business" trip to the hot sandy place, I could use it to Skype and surf. I really don't want to lug my 15lb 17" Toshiba laptop over there again .

Still $350? These things really haven't dropped in price. Probably because even after how long they've been out, there's still nothing even close on the market. It's a small market, but i see the place for it.

Battery life is pretty incredible, too.

Is there a cheaper price somewhere? I haven't checked Evilbay but $350 is the lowest I could find on the interwebz.

Like I need anymore enabling

$350 is about what they're still going for. There's probably refurbs on Ebay for the same price as Woot.

The way i justify it is that i can't buy a $350 PC of any kind that's anywhere near as fast as this thing. It's mind-boggling.

We currently have a laptop upstairs running windows and a transformer tablet downstairs. We use Microsoft one drive to transfer files. If we replace the transformer with a Samsung android tablet will we still be able to use one drive or a similar solution?

In reply to tuna55:

OneDrive?

There's a deal right now for free space:

http://www.theverge.com/2015/2/10/8013711/microsoft-one-drive-100gb-giveaway

Dropbox works well if you need cloud storage.

In your case, though, i'm not sure why you'd need a program. I'd just set the PC destination folder to shared over network and manually browse/move as necessary.

In reply to tuna55:

The Asus Transformer should be running Android and so would the Samsung. Just load the OneDrive app, enter credentials and move along.

Though I think sharing the files directly on your internal network is more efficient as Swank alluded to.

There's a Transformer Windows tablet as well i think. I wasn't sure which he was using.