Tablets

[Optimistic Paranoid]

Regarding USB ports on (underpowered) Windows tablets, this can be very problematic. One big potential problem is that even IF a Windows tablet has say a full size USB port, that doesn't necessarily mean it can do all the things a normal laptop could. For example, an underpowered Windows tablet with a full size USB port might only be compatible for use with accessories that require low power. For example, a USB thumb stick might work. But not an external USB storage drive that is large in size. This is true for the Lenovo Tablet 2 (Windows tablet) that I have. Even though it has a full size USB port, it can only be used for small accessories such as a mouse, small USB stick, etc (but can't be used for USB devices requiring more power). Annoying for sure. This is something some people might not realize.

A POWERED USB hub is one probable work-around for this problem. You should probably even be able to run a hard drive with that.

Regards
John

 

[jeanontheroad]

Nook HD is going back. It locks up on pages, I kept getting cut off of the help chat, I got a refurb'ed used device instead of a new one, DH found a scratch on the screen and the 3-yr warranty was not on the packing slip and was never processed. As a minor irritation, the darned thing is set to auto-play, which can't be turned off. That matters when I am on Youtube.

So, back it goes. I will start looking at other options.

 

[dvdchris]

My recommendation is to get an e-reader for reading, and a tablet for other content consumption. You are asking for a poor experience to expect an e-reader to also be a tablet.
Are you tied to the Nook ecosystem with a lot of purchases? Have you tried one of the newer Kindles?

 

[jeanontheroad]

I am not tied to Nook, tho I loved my old Nook Color before it started to die. I can read my books on anything, just download the app.

 

[VanLifeCrisis]

Nope. http://www.amazon.com/Dell-Venue-Pr...d=1391714652&sr=1-1&keywords=dell+venue+8+pro Of course, prices fluctuate, but full Win 8.1 (NOT RT) and an Atom Bay Trail cpu. It will run Windows legacy programs too. ..Willy.

I stand corrected, I didn't realize they were already coming out with the new generation of stuff

 

[offroad]

My iPad 2 jail broken cost $300 three years ago. Just bought one for my grandson. Same model. $250. They keep there value.

As for function it has 5ghz wifi. It has verizon 3G data (fast enough but not 4g). There's AN APP FOR THAT is still a correct mantra chant.

---

My iPad 2 jail broken cost $300 three years ago. Just bought one for my grandson. Same model. $250. They keep their value. Battery lasts all day.

As for function it has 5ghz wifi. It has verizon 3G data (fast enough but not 4g). There's AN APP FOR THAT is still a correct mantra chant.

Have a $20 wifi router that can handle a USB hard drive connected to it for storage with a terabyte.

Admit I still need that windows laptop to do heavy processing like converting my DVDs, or to serve as my HTPC or DVR. Some activities take raw processing power.

---

Try the AMAZON PAPERWHITE KINDLE for an ereader. Several versions of that model but wifi only is good enough. Seems to be the best of best at around $100 price point.

 

[caseyc]

Please get a "real" tablet next time around, haha! I learned a long time ago that it's better to pay more to get it done right the first time, versus having to pay a second time with more money and aggravation to fix things.

Nook HD is going back. It locks up on pages, I kept getting cut off of the help chat, I got a refurb'ed used device instead of a new one, DH found a scratch on the screen and the 3-yr warranty was not on the packing slip and was never processed. As a minor irritation, the darned thing is set to auto-play, which can't be turned off. That matters when I am on Youtube.

So, back it goes. I will start looking at other options.

 

[jeanontheroad]

OK, talk about timing, the "new" Nook HD went back this morning. The old Nook Color, which I thought would hang on as a reader for a while as I researched real tablets, seems to be crapping out, totally. It locked up this evening on a book page and refused to move until I brought it down and rebooted it. Twice. I figured that would be the last function it would loose, and it's beginning to lose it. No mo ney in the piggy bank for a real tablet for a few months as we deal with DH's surgery bills. Need a reader. Thinking of getting the bottom of the line Nook ($59 at the store and I have a 20% off coupon) so I have a reader and spend the next coupon months deciding which tablet I want. May list some choices and send DH after it. He lives for technology, loves to touch, talk about it, own it. Not going to order online. I have had all the experience with Nook's outsourced customer non-service line I want. I'll pay a little more and deal face-to-face with the store people.

 

[caseyc]

Nook = Fail

Sorry, couldn't resist

 

[Willy]

I have a Kobo ebook reader and, while I love how light it is w. an easy to read screen, the lagginess just drives me up the wall! That's why I'm thinking about getting one of those small 'n 'cheap' windows tablets with the Bay Trail Atom. I figure that in ultra power save mode, a matte screen (or screen protector), and the screen switched to monochrome, it should have decent battery life for reading. Can also turn of wireless and whatever other hardware I don't need in device manager. ..Willy.

 

[jeanontheroad]

My old Nook held on long enough for me to finish The Silmarillions.

OMG! That man could write a story.

 

[jeanontheroad]

Son checking at the PX to see what tablets and prices they have. He likes Samsung products or the Nexus 7. One advantage he says Android has is that if you get a bug, you can get rid of it by going back to factory settings, then go online and let it update itself. Sounds OK. I never, ever, at all, ever go to my bank or brokerage account or anyplace else that might have personal information unless I use my computer and virus protection and my own hotspot. But I do a lot of surfing on my mobile devices.

 

[caseyc]

You usually don't have to go to the extreme of doing a factory restore reset. I would only do that as a last resort. That said though, I've done my fair share of factory resets for both my smartphones, tablets, and laptops over the years. On an Android tablet or smartphone, it's very easy to do a factory reset, and the process usually takes maybe several minutes or so.

Son checking at the PX to see what tablets and prices they have. He likes Samsung products or the Nexus 7. One advantage he says Android has is that if you get a bug, you can get rid of it by going back to factory settings, then go online and let it update itself. Sounds OK. I never, ever, at all, ever go to my bank or brokerage account or anyplace else that might have personal information unless I use my computer and virus protection and my own hotspot. But I do a lot of surfing on my mobile devices.

 

[jeanontheroad]

Best Buy is having a sale on the Samsung tablet I like. I have an LTE option and an option that does not include that. I have looked up LTE in Wiki (technical reference for us non-techies) and still can't figure out what LTE is, except that it increases speed by using signals differently. Is it worth the extra $50 bucks?

 

[caseyc]

Well, let's see. Do you want the short answer or long one? The short answer is, it all depends on your anticipated usage.

Longer answer is below.

First off, are you referring to a Verizon LTE branded Samsung tablet? Or are your referring to a different cell phone carrier? I'm guessing it's probably by Verizon, which is what I have.

Are you also referring to one of the Samsung tablets (by Verizon) per the Verizon website link below?
http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/...=viewPhoneOverviewByDevice&linkId=24&zipRdr=y

If so, then LTE refers to Long Term Evolution. It's just a marketing term. But what it means practically speaking to you and mean is that it's fast stuff and better too.

In order to take advantage of LTE, you must have an LTE device (by Verizon), plus have LTE signal activation, or a monthly subscription for LTE service in other words.

4G LTE by Verizon is muuuuuch faster than 3G. Waaaay faster. The other cool advantage is that with Verizon LTE, this means you can both talk on your phone while surfing the internet at the same time. In other words, LTE allows for simultaneous voice and data.

It used to be that only AT&T with their GSM technology could claim simultaneous voice and date. But not anymore, Verizon can now do so ever since they installed their 4G LTE towers some several years ago. That's why I laugh at AT&T television commercials when they say only their service allows simultaneous voice and data. Bull!!

I have the Samsung 7.7" screen Android tablet which I ordered through Verizon. My particular Samsung tablet has a built-in SIM card that allows for 4G LTE activation and signal through Verizon. Even though my tablet has this ability, I chose not to activate the 4G LTE service. That's because Verizon would charge me for an additional line of service, which I don't need or want at this time. I already have a Samsung Note 2 smartphone with UN-limited grandfathered 4G LTE service through Verizon, so I simply wirelessly tether my smartphone to emit a wifi signal to my tablet (and laptop, etc). This is an entirely different topic by the way, so I'm not going to elaborate on this thread regarding wireless tethering.

That means I'm simply using my tablet as a wifi only tablet, as opposed to a tablet that has built in wireless data signal (which I would have to pay an extra monthly fee). But I like the fact I have the versatility at any time to activate the SIM card inside the tablet in order to surf the web **independent** of my smartphone wifi tethering. Again, I choose not to activate the built-in 4G LTE SIM card at this time, but maybe in the future.

If a tablet sold by Verizon doesn't have a built-in SIM card, that would mean the tablet only works in wifi mode. This would mean the tablet must receive a wifi signal from whatever source (eg: home wifi, Starbucks, etc). I would venture to say most people that own a tablet only have a wifi only tablet, as opposed to one with a built-in SIM card which requires a monthly payment. I have multiple various tablets, but all of them I'm using as wifi only.

For you personally, are you willing to pay extra for the 4G LTE service on a tablet? Or maybe you have a "shared plan" by Verizon that allows for data connectivity to a certain number of devices, hence you wouldn't have to pay "extra" for adding internet data to another device?? In my case, I don't have a shared plan, I only have the older individual plan from Verizon, which means I would have to pay extra for any separate device activation. Maybe you might also have a "family plan" which allows for multiple devices to have data plan included. Since I don't know what your particular situation is, only you can determine the best cost effective plan for yourself.

 

[Simran]

I've had a Motorola Xoom for nearly 3 years and have had good luck with it. The battery is just now starting go south on me. It still lasts all day though and I use it a lot. I've only gone back to the factory settings once. This thing has been dropped, kicked and otherwise abused indoors & outdoors.
I think Google bought this arm from Motorola and took over the design & build of the devise.
It is, of course, an Android device.
It is a good one.

 

[jeanontheroad]

Like my new Samsung Tab 3. Hate the rubbery, soft, hard to install screen protector.

Looked at the Nexus 7. Very sharp screen and $20 less. But no SD card port. Did not go for LTE. I am not on Sprint or Verizon and I am too cheap .... er, frugal to spend the extra $50 if it won't do me that much good. All in all, I am satisfied. The extra inch of screen really makes a difference.

I am on my phone, now. Got chased out of the house, again, by a realtor who wanted to bring someone thru. This is getting okd, but at least oeople are interested. By the time I get home, the tablet should be all charged up.

 

[sl1966]

Given the monthly cost of 4G LTE access on a tablet I think the money would be better spent on getting a wifi hotspot instead. This way you can use not just your tablet but any other wifi devices as well. Up to 10 devices.

Everyone recommends Millenicom which offers 20GB @ $70 per month; unfortunately that's the only plan they offer. If you couldn't afford that and/or just don't need that much data competitors offer more than just one plan.

 

[jeanontheroad]

Millenicom"

We are stuck with a contract with tmobile right now. Then, we may look at satellite.

 

[sl1966]

We are stuck with a contract with tmobile right now. Then, we may look at satellite.

They don't do contracts tho. Oh you mean you're still on the hook for phone/hotspot. Just in case you don't know. Depending on how many months in you are on paying for your phone/hotspot ... you can pay for it all up front now, and then cancel service at any time.

Actually, I signed up with Tmob because they offered a better deal than ATTwireless. They also told that if I also had a phone with them my wifi cost would be discounted $10 per plan. I would've switched because I'm sick of ATT's nickle and diming, but I really love the phone I got, Tmob doesn't carry it, and I would have to get a new phone to take advantage of that break up with you carrier deal they got going now.