Thinking about a tablet

[benchmark51]

Anyone had experience of using a 10.5 tablet for internet use? Painfully slow? Unreliable?

I'm thinking of an android one first, maybe apple second and windows third. Obviously needs to be cellular (4G). Expansion slot a must.

Or maybe a laptop might be better? Would like HDMI and SSD if possible.

All this because I would like to be cable free (virgin) and more mobile.

Will need to upgrade my computer soonish though not desperate yet.

[Gary RH7]

I got my kids a Nexus 7 but they do a larger one now Nexus 9. As it is Google item it is built for the internet and was said to be the fastest by PC Adviser tablet review when I got them last year for Xmas.
Does not take a SIM card though so you will have to shop around for one that does but I wouldn't worry about the speed.

[damouk]

We got the Mrs daughter a Lenovo s8, pretty good spec it's an 8 inch but had better res than the Apple device. they do a gsm version as well.

Do you mean cable tv free? Or completely free from virgin?

[benchmark51]

The virgin broadband cost me £27 odd pm (inc line rental) and the giffgaff cost £12 pm (calls,text,2GB data) for my mobile. My PC's days are numbered and will need replacing soonish.

I'm thinking dump virgin and get a tablet/laptop and use a £20 giffgaff sim saving £7 pm. The cost of the device ok as I have to replace the PC anyway. My mobile works ok for internet and will tether with other devices at 4G, but only up to 6GB data.

I'm just wondering if my internet speeds are going to suffer very badly

[Iancider]

Checked the internet...

Apparently if you are look for performance Blue Tablets are best.

[Facial Hair Optional]

The doctor has given me some tablets, they are hopeless, I can do sod all after I've taken one!

['Mendip Wurzel']

We've got both 10" IPads and Samsung Androids. Pretty similar really. The battery last longer on the IPad, other than that there is very little between them in my opinion. I have found the screens to be less sensitive on the very cheap Androids.

[benchmark51]

I have been to Argos, was passing anyway, and went in and had a play with an ipad air2 and a lenovo a10. Thats all that was on working display.

No assitant available to ask questions, but found the a10 quite easy to use compared with the air2. However neither were set up for use, date, time ect. Although the a10 had a memory slot neither were cellular. I think I'm going to go Cribbs Causway as there must be a good selection to look at there.

[Facial Hair Optional]

I would think PC World/Currys would have a fair few on display Dave? And staff to interrogate too.

[Gary RH7]

I would think PC World/Currys would have a fair few on display Dave? And staff to interrogate too.

I agree
They have some young geeks there who really know their stuff.
Go in with a list of what you want on the tablet and they will tell you what will do what.

[benchmark51]

Yes, I went to the Longwell Green branch, but they don't keep stock of all they sell. Also the assistant I spoke to was distinctly 'uninterested'. I think I want a cellular, with expansion slot, min 10.5 screen. If the price goes over £300, I may consider a laptop, but then with 15 inch screen and HDMI. Whatever I get will mainly stay at home and I will try and use 'tethering' with my phone which does internet quite well on 4G. It's the screen just not big enough. Having a cellular tablet makes it a back up for my phone, should I lose or break it.

I am due for a new phone this month (no contract) as mine is 2 years old, but will keep it now for another year, my PC is aged and will need replacing soon anyway. Sim for the tablet will cost £20 pm
and if it takes care of my internet requirment ok, then I will drop virgin. Saving £27 pm

Think I'm on the right track The other thing to consider is Windows or Android. Having re-thought my asessment of W10 and as it was on an ageing PC, I might have a go with it on a new machine and see whats what.

[benchmark51]

I have now bought a samsung galaxy Tab S. 10.5" 32GB version, Wifi, 4G. Delivery due on Wednesday.
My phone is due for renewal this month, but I decided to keep it for now and go for the Tab instead. Now to find out if it will be good enough to replace my desktop PC for my internet use. I'll keep the desktop for now, and keep it windows 7. If all works out I can drop Virgin altogether.

[benchmark51]

The Tab arrived but turned out to be 16GB not 32GB . Got some money knocked off so am keeping it now. Also got a bluetooth keyboard and case. Have installed a 4G sim and have it on line. Still exploring it for now but getting there.

Thinking about a new playstation now..........

[Facial Hair Optional]

Surely that joystick is in the wrong place???