Sell me on a tablet

I need a tablet....not an e-reader, not a laptop, but something that is both, that I can access internet without a data plan required, that I can write documents on, that is small, portable and unobtrusive.

Sell me on a tablet that you believe is right for a returning college student, attending online classes and works night shifts with an unpredictable schedule.

Sell me on a tablet that isn't hugely expensive but is worth the money spent.

Sell me on a tablet that is compatible with Google, Windows and Adobe.

Sell me on a tablet that has video/audio recording capability for interactive classes (Rosetta Stone).

Sell me on...A TABLET!

 

If I were buying today, I'd get a surface pro 2...

http://www.microsoft.com/surface/en-us/products/surface-pro-2

 

Been looking at the Surface...

 

For the size and capabilities, it's pretty impressive... I like my ipad and nexus, but writing and editing docs is a pain in the ass...

For online school, I'd want a laptop-ish tablet, and that's what you get with the surface.

 

I have the samsung tab 2 10.1. I love it. Havent really worked to many documents but they have office packs. Been very happy especially for the price. I added to a data plan and it only cost 100 bucks. Just a thought. Was looking at surface but couldn't pass up the price. Buddy found surface on ebay refurb for less than 300

 

I've never really been one to recommend using a tablet for school work but depending on the work it could be done. It sounds like a tablet would work for you and I agree that a surface 2 would probably be a good choice. I personally don't like Samsung as much as I used to and a kindle fire definitely won't get the job done. The surface has a solid feel to it which I like a lot, it has the features you are looking for and others that are pretty cool. I don't like the menu compared to other tablets but that's just windows 8 and it's probably something to get used to.

 

Love my iPad, bought it and haven't touched my computer since. IMO, it's a little more expensive, but you get what you pay for in the tablet world. Although, I liked my Nexus 7 too, it was nothing compared to my iPad.

 

I have owned and used different versions of the iPad daily since Apple put them on the market. I use it for everything, but as another poster stated on the forum, it is a pain if you plan on writing large documents. Notetaking and jotting thoughts in class might not present the issue, but papers and the like might be cause for concern.

Last week I happened into a Microsoft Store and played with the merchandise. The Surface and Surface Pro 2 products really impressed me. I looked at some costs and depending on your budget you can get a pretty decent set-up for not many dollars. The incentive in the store last week was MS Office discounted. Thin, lightweight, able to fit in a backpack and with all the features and some more than the iPad, I was certainly impressed.

Take a look at the MS website, read some reviews from PC World or other computer magazines, go to a MS store and an Apple store to touch the product. No matter what opinions are offered here, ultimately you have to like the product rather than having remorse for something you do not like and will not use.

There are many good tablets out there. Good luck on your choosing.

 

If I had the money for a tablet, I would buy something for my truck instead.

 

ipod

 

OP is homosexual and sold truck for girls car...

 

I'm by no means an Apple pusher, but I think the iPad would be the best choice right now. There's probably some used online, or does it have to be new?

 

I have the surface rt and its perfect for being enlisted and taking classes

 

For a returning college student, I would recommend a laptop rather than a tablet. It provides greater flexibility for installing any software/drivers needed for class (like installing print drivers) and I've yet to see a tablet that compares ergonomically to a laptop keyboard. I guess it also depends on your major.

No one "needs" a tablet and you'll get more bang for you buck (functionality, processing power, graphics, etc) buying a laptop. I have a Nexus 10 and it's fantastic, but it does not come close to replacing my laptop.

 

I don't wanna lug my laptop into my patrol car and navigate that crap when I'm sitting on a highway at 3am waiting for a speeder or a call to come. That's why I was looking for a tablet. I have a laptop already that can do the printer driver and scanner crap.

 

Samsung note!

 

I'm also going to suggest the MS Surface products.
The two differences are the RT and the Pro, and, unless I'm mistaken, the main difference is the RT is more tablet-like with MS Office as a lite, web enhanced version, and the Pro is a shrunk down laptop.
Based on your requirements, the Pro sounds most ideal.
Keep in mind there is the older Surface Pro, or the newer Pro 2 (differences listed here)

I would have bought a Surface myself, but the one big drawback is that I wanted to use some specific mapping apps that aren't available in the MS app store. For that matter, the MS app store is still very far behind competition. This is the big Achilles heel for the product.

On the plus side though, the Pro runs a full fledged Intel processor comparable to your laptop, has USB3, mini displayport (you can hook up a monitor), and microSD. For all intents and purposes, it is the easiest one to turn into a mini-desktop computer and have removable storage.


If the MS product isn't for you, the choices between Android and iPad is really a no brainer. I purchased the Nexus 7 for a about $280 (after tax), whereas an iPad of any flavor STARTS prices at $500 BEFORE tax!


A cell plan for your tablet isn't entirely necessary. If your carrier supports it, you can set up your phone as a wireless hot spot or tether to the tablet, thereby sharing its cell internet.

 

ipad so you wont get viruses.....

 

Cross posting due to relevancy:

 

Sounds like you've decided on a tablet so no selling needed. If I could only have one device I'd buy something like a MacBook Air or PC Ultra book. I have an iPad that goes with me everywhere but if I have to do anything more complex than an email or note taking I want a real keyboard. Many of my coworkers have bought blue tooth keyboards for their iPads, but IMHO if you're going to do that just carry the more capable PC/Mac.