iPads

[Colliemom]

I want to buy an iPad. I know a lot of you use them. Any tips, things I should watch for, size, etc.. Any drawbacks to them?

[Bethers]

I try to stay up in the techie news - and this totally surprised me this week - so you might want to look at this one instead:

http://www.zdnet.com/apple-ipad-is-out- ... 000023769/

[monik7]

I have the original first iPad. 3 1/2 years old now and have always liked it. I'm waiting until it stops, then may go for a mini. I think it depends on whose article you're reading. I read one last week that said the iPad Air and iPad mini were still the best.
Sandi

[Bethers]

I have the original first iPad. 3 1/2 years old now and have always liked it. I'm waiting until it stops, then may go for a mini. I think it depends on whose article you're reading. I read one last week that said the iPad Air and iPad mini were still the best.
Sandi

Sandi, not arguing - just showing what one Ipad enthusiast is now saying - and I can never see the reason to pay the cost of the Ipad - that's me personally - not worth all those extra bucks (for ME).

[monik7]

Sue, maybe this article can help you with your selection.
http://tablets.reviewed.com/features/20 ... ign=collab
Sandi

[Azusateach]

It's all about personal preference, Sue.

You'll get arguments for/against them from whoever you talk with. If they like them, they'll sing their praises. If they don't all you'll hear is how expensive they are.

iPads and Android-based tablets have their positive and negative sides. Frankly, it's going to come down to what you like better. Asking people for their opinion on them can just end up making you crazy.

Do your homework -- go play with both of them. Ask about their capabilities in light of what you want a tablet to do. Then make your decision. But don't look to others for helping you make that decision.

Laura

[Cudedog]

IPad or Android device, if you are a touch-typer be sure to get one that either comes with or can add-on some kind of keyboard.

I have the original Kindle Fire. I like it very much, and have found that it will connect to WiFi in some places that my laptop will not.

BUT. I type about 70 wpm. This early version has no possibility of a keyboard (I understand that the latest ones do). Trying to two-finger type on the keyboard image (what do you call it?) makes me totally crazy, and so I don't use this Kindle as much as I otherwise might. I would never buy another tablet device that did not offer a connectible keyboard option of some kind (and watch out - the keyboards can be pricy).

But that's just ME. Good luck in your search! Some day I will probably get an upgraded tablet (with keyboard!) but so long as this Kindle is working, an upgrade for me is not in the cards.

Anne

[linann]

Agree with Laura. Do your research, go to the stores and try them out before making a decision. Don't overlook Costco and Sam's. They offer very good deals on tablets.

I ended up buying a Samsung 7" tablet. It was burgundy with a matching hard sided cover/stand. The tablet and cover were in a beautiful, rich, burgundy red, which shouldn't have mattered, but it did. Even after buying additional software, it was just over half of what I would have paid for the iPad mini with same features. True, the iPad had a slightly larger screen and was a few seconds faster, but it was not noticeable and the Samsung price was excellent. Since I have an Android smartphone, I was very comfortable with the Android tablet. My sister has the 10" Samsung table and loves it.

The tablet is best for email and searching the internet. When it comes to working on documents, I have a netbook or use the desktop pc. Anne is so right about how annoying it can be to type on a tablet.

[Bethers]

And, yes, I totally agree about trying them out. I was talked into a 9" - and never use it.... Got a 7" tablet I use all the time, now. The 9" I got a keyboard for. Then I discovered I could do the swype type keyboards on them and use that instead ... again, it's all about preference and what you want them to do. And lots don't like the swype type keyboards, so then getting one you can connect a keyboard to can be very important.

I was impressed with that review this week - as something new on the market - that's the only reason I posted it. I don't have it ... Don't have any of the ones talked about here. Like what I have (when I went down in size to the 7" - and use it all the time.

[MandysMom]

I agree with the comments on trying several before you buy. Myself I bought the iPad original in fall of 2010 and use it several times a day. Like it so much that when it came down (after six years) to finally deciding to replace my old Palm Treo phone I bought a iPhone two weeks ago and am very happy. Nothing is perfect, I am still trying to replace Palm's Handyshopper (which is NOT available in ios or android, even if there are similarly named apps, they just do not work the same.) but my son got all my data moved when Verizon store plus days of search said it could not be done, so other than Handyshopper, I am a very happy Apple user and will buy another iPad again. But to me these are very personal decisions because we use them so much. So listen to all of us, talk to people/clerks at stores and try as many as you can doing the things you would want to do with your tablet. For me with the larger tablet size of the original iPad, it was a pricey Targus leather cover which acts as a stand which has kept me using iPad even laying on my back in bed. I did buy a keyboard but have found I am very capable with the virtual keyboard. On the other hand husband loves his Android based phone and his Android tablet and thinks I should switch because "you will like it better" . You can see how that went since even as we stood at Verizon with him saying that and I ignored him and bought what I like. Happy shopping.

[Excel]

I bought the IPad 2 after seeing my Grandkids using theirs... Have to say I absolutely love it & though I have a desk top, laptop, & a IPhone also, I use that IPad every day. It cost a bundle back when I bought it, but I got it anyway. Never been sorry. I just got a Kindle Fire HDX 8.9 for my son's Christmas present (SO & I will go 1/2 & 1/2 on the cost...) Don't know anything about it other than all the reviews I've read, say it's really great, etc. Bought it at Best Buy, but have found out that it is made by Amazon which has the price sort of 'fixed' by them so no matter how you shop, you won't find a lower price.... but a lot higher ones. The Apple Air is rated as the best, but the price is wayyyyyy up there. For me, my IPad is great, don't need to trade it in or buy a new one, because it allows me to do what I want...
So I agree with everyone else, it just depends on how you want to use a product... check them out & then buy what suits you best...... Good luck !

[longdog2]

This review provides some good comparisons that might help:

http://geeksontour.tv/2013/12/the-best-tablet-for-travelers/

[Bethers]

This review provides some good comparisons that might help:

http://geeksontour.tv/2013/12/the-best-tablet-for-travelers/

Good article.

[Colliemom]

Thank you for your comments everyone, much appreciated. I know it's a matter of personal choice, but I just wanted to feel out the pros and cons of tablets and I know that a number of you do have iPads, but sometimes after having something for awhile, we find some flaws or else we really love it. The links were very helpful too.

I'm going to look and watch for a neat buy. Am restricted where I live to what's available as we don't have the bigger stores here like Costco, Sam's etc. Pretty much just Wal Mart and Radio Shack as far as electronics go. There is a small computer repair place here that carries Apple as well, but I'm sure would be paying top dollar there. When I go north this week, I will look in Marquette as it's a much bigger city and has pretty much everything there, except of course for stores like Costco and Sam's. The closest Sam's to me is about 60 miles and I don't have membership anymore.

We shall see.

[Excel]

Just a thought... can you check out those that are available to you in your area, & then (should you find one you like), order it online from a website that has a lower price.... & have it mailed to you??? I think Amazon is one of the websites that will allow you to return if not satisfied without a problem.....