I’m considering getting a tablet, most likely a used Nexus model and am wondering what you all use them for? Mine will most likely be used first and foremost for work, and double as an e-reader at home, and be what I bring to stay connected when travelling.
I’m rather uninformed when it comes to tablets. Is there anything special about them or are they just large smartphones?
IME- it’s a dumbed down version of a laptop or a larger, less useful version an iPhone. If you don’t plan on typing anything, they’re fantastic. They do great for surfing, reading, and apps. Several people I know thought that they could use a tablet for a computer replacement. Then, they bought a plug-in keyboard, larger monitor, and add-on mouse. They eventually gave it up for a regular computer (mixed versions of desktop and laptop).
If you plan on using the machine for work, I’d advise against a tablet. If e-reading/ app-ing is the goal, tablets rule!
Well, I’m torn between a chromebook and a tablet. I occasionally would like a keyboard (like when travelling or at work and needing to write the occasional email which I hate doing on a smartphone), but don’t want the laptop size and feel all the time, so that’s why I’m leaning tablet. I have a macbook pro at home as my main computer.
No big draw for me other than playing and shopping around, texting and using Facetime while abroad without having to own a smartphone. Fortunately mine was a nice Christmas gift otherwise I would to still be using a much older laptop regularly.
Tri-Banter nailed it. IMO, for most people, a tablet is a media consumption device. It is great for surfing the web, watching movies, and reading books. That’s where it excels. It works great for reading email and short responses. If you have specific apps for productivity, it is awesome. For example, there are a number of apps for litigators that are great. They organize all your exhibits and can attach to a projector to use in court.
But, they suck for typing on. There are a number of guys who post to ST on tablets and I don’t know how they can do it. I do it, on occasion, especially when traveling, but, it is slow and tedious. It most certainly is not a laptop replacement. I have the MacBook Air, which I use far more than my iPad, b/c, when I work, or post long, rambling responses in the ST, I need a keyboard.
I use an iPad for work almost exclusively. I have a laptop that is basically just a Minecraft machine for my son and a desktop that is not much more that a stereo/movie watching/gif making machine.
I used to do a bunch of photoshop on the desktop but haven’t manipulated a photo outside of Instagram in years.
Don’t know about other tablets but the iPad has basically replaced my computers.
I use mine for games, movies, TV, web surfing, and a number of apps for various things (travel planning, social media, etc).
It’s a nice to have thing, but not a laptop replacement. However, I do use the iPad much more around the house, because I can carry it around, use it in the kitchen, on the couch, etc without having a full laptop.
You’re not doing it right.
Also, use the Puffin browser.
90% of my posts are done from the iPad or the phone.
It’s all preference I think. We have a playbook. I have used it on occasion and it does everything that I want it to do, however I really prefer using a laptop. If I am just picking up a small device to use quickly I’ll use my iPhone. The Playbook rarely gets used. My wife sometimes loads documents on it and reads them on the train on the way in to work. My son sometimes watches cartoons on it.
I borrowed an iPad from work last week. It’s too big and when my wife tried to watch her cooking show online we were told that this device can’t play the show. Flash. Great work Apple.
I will be taking that thing back to work and leaving it there.
You’re not doing it right.
Cannot argue with you. I’m fairly efficient typing on my iPhone with my thumbs. Not very good on the iPad keyboard.
Same. I have no use for an iPad.
It’s all preference I think. We have a playbook. I have used it on occasion and it does everything that I want it to do, however I really prefer using a laptop. If I am just picking up a small device to use quickly I’ll use my iPhone. The Playbook rarely gets used. My wife sometimes loads documents on it and reads them on the train on the way in to work. My son sometimes watches cartoons on it.
I borrowed an iPad from work last week. It’s too big and when my wife tried to watch her cooking show online we were told that this device can’t play the show. Flash. Great work Apple.
I will be taking that thing back to work and leaving it there.
+2
We have a cheapo tablet for the kid to watch movies and baby doodle on since we don’t really care if she throws it at the dog or in the toilet. (well, we do, but we dont care as much as if it was one of our Macbook Airs).
The typing thing is what I’m stuck on. At work, I’ll be using it mainly for visuals: showing clients my previous work, or just bringing up examples of what they might be trying to describe to me, or specific products I’m thinking of using on their projects. I will also occasionally use it for billing with Square. Now and then I’ll get an email that requires a long response that can’t wait for me to get home, in which a keyboard will be handy. I’ve seen tablets with a flip style case and attachable mini keyboard, essentially making it a mini laptop. I’m thinking that solution will fit my needs best.
For all other purposes (e-reader, travelling) a tablet will work best. At home I have a macbook pro that is my main workhorse so I don’t see the tablet replacing that. Love that machine!
You’re not doing it right.
Cannot argue with you. I’m fairly efficient typing on my iPhone with my thumbs. Not very good on the iPad keyboard.
At first I didn’t like the “keyboard” but I’ve gtten used to it and can type faster on it than on a regular keyboard.
I’ve using it in the field for work for almost three years typing and printing test reports so I’m filling fields in Numbers with a bunch of mumbo jumbo (it’s a mix of long (sometimes 10 digit numbers), short words and explanatory notes so I have navigate all over the keyboard and use all the function. Trial by fire.
To me the mouse (and laptop click pad) seems archaic.
I agree the Ipad is too big (we do have one). However, I really like the size of the Ipad Mini (we also have one).
Yes Apple sucks not supporting Flash. This is so ridiculous.
You have a what? a Playbook? What the hell is that? 
Fred.
The typing thing is what I’m stuck on. At work, I’ll be using it mainly for visuals: showing clients my previous work, or just bringing up examples of what they might be trying to describe to me, or specific products I’m thinking of using on their projects. I will also occasionally use it for billing with Square. Now and then I’ll get an email that requires a long response that can’t wait for me to get home, in which a keyboard will be handy. I’ve seen tablets with a flip style case and attachable mini keyboard, essentially making it a mini laptop. I’m thinking that solution will fit my needs best.
For all other purposes (e-reader, travelling) a tablet will work best. At home I have a macbook pro that is my main workhorse so I don’t see the tablet replacing that. Love that machine!
As stated previously, typing on these things sucks. I have an ipad mini which is a bit easier than anything larger. i also have a keyboard which works fine if I am sitting up to type otherwise it is useless.
Yes Apple sucks not supporting Flash. This is so ridiculous.
Use the Puffin browser. Flash works fine.
Try Swype our SwiftKey as an alternate keyboard. I find the drag faster than tapping. They have been around the android world for years, and are now supported in ios 8.
I use my tablet primarily for two things:
I download and read comics on it.
We use it in band practice as a lyric guide, or to pull up tabs of new music that we want to try out.
I also use it to quickly record drum parts (easier than dragging my computer over to the drums).
My guitar player has a virtual amp on his that he sometimes uses instead of bringing his amp.
My old boss used it to take notes in meetings (with a pen that would write on the screen).
I occasionally use it to show videos when company is over.
A lot of people let their kids play games on them while riding somewhere in the car.
I use my tablet primarily for two things:
I download and read comics on it.
We use it in band practice as a lyric guide, or to pull up tabs of new music that we want to try out.
“Comics.” Cute code for porn … ;-p