So, I got this iPad Air for christmas - and am not really an apple geek, I have been considering returning it for a win 8 tablet (since I'm on win 8 on my stationary anyway). Pros and cons? I've heard the win 8 is more of a laptop, heavier et c - but then again, I believe I'd be free to use any kind of video player, steam to run some less demanding games et c on it where as on an iPad I'd be stuck with iTunes Store et c. Anyone, anyone? Bueller?
I've fooled around with a Surface Pro. It's far more capable than an iPad, but it feels ridiculously heavy given the ingrained expectation for a tablet form-factor. It's 2 pounds, so lighter than a normal ultrabook, but you won't want to hold it in your hands for long. Personally, my opinion is that if you want a tablet for the things tablets are good at (perusing the internet and reading, mostly), get an android. Walmart sells an excellent $130 model. If you want an actual portable computer, get a real laptop with better and cheaper hardware rather than settling for an awkward compromise.
Thing is, I don't really "need" a tablet. I'm mostly planning to use it when travelling, for movies, music and entertainment - i e games, internet et c. I'll mostly likely stick with the the gift iPad - just curious, as it seems tablets are ready for the "next step".
Like neoncat said, Android is the way to go. I recommend this: http://www.amazon.com/Google-Nexus-...?ie=UTF8&qid=1388425893&sr=8-2&keywords=nexus .
I expected a lot of comments about android, but not really interested in that platform (and don't believe it will survive). I have an iPhone and a desktop win 8. Enough hassle as is.
Hmm.. interesting. I've never heard anyone say something like that. Did you know that Android accounts for almost 80 percent of the global smartphone market, and its popularity is actually rising? Also it's developed by Google, which by itself gives it tons of credibility. I'm curious, why do you think Android won't survive? It will die at some point of course, just like everything we currently use, but I don't see anything that would suggest it happening in the next 10 years. It's looking like the opposite atm.
Yeah, Android have a large percentage of the phone user base - but there seems to be issues of going outside of smart phones. The Ouya didn't really pan it out seems, and in my country I haven't even heard anyone suggest a tablet with Android tbh (although the phone situation is about as you suggest). So not sure where it's going - smart phone is a stop, not a destination in the technological race. Also, Google is behind Google+ - just saying - and Nokia who used to be number 1, are almost dead. Not everything works out even for the big guys.
I'm sure popularity varies quite a lot from country to country. Android has completely won the US market for tablets and smartphones, which will probably secure it a stronger international position in coming years.
The ipad pretty good for your intended use. It's light and has a great battery life. you just need a free media player app to transfer and/play video files. Itunes to transfer music. Personally I go minimal when travelling. Just my nexus 4 (now 5) and an emergency battery charger.
Not really a tablet nor a pure notebook either but I can definetly recommend this one: http://www.asus.com/in-search-of-incredible/us-en/asus-transformer-book-t100 I've got the 32GB+500GB HDD Version as a Christmas gift and I am so absolutely happy with it. Normally I would recommend Android for a tablet, because I am not much of a Windows Fan and really really really dislike Apple products. But on this Convertible is Windows 8.1 installed (not the RT Version - it's the FULL Version), which means I can use it like I would use any other Notebook or desktop pc. In case you didn't know: On Windows 8.1 RT you can only use Apps from the Windows Store. If you want to install Programs yourself you need the Full Windows 8.1 Version. I said Convertible but this is not 100% true: It is a docking notebook/pad. Meaning you can disconnect the Screen from the keyboard and only use the touchscreen like any other tablet with apps and everything. Or you can connect it to the keyboard and use it like any other notebook with a storage capacity of 500GB. Oh this is actually something you need to have in mind. There are four Versions: - 32GB - 32GB + 500GB HDD - 64GB - 64GB + 500GB HDD If you consider buying this Convertible you should take one with 500GB HDD, because only in those you can change it with a SSD. Meaning: more Speed Oh Speed another good thing: Being from ASUS it has the instant on technology. I counted the time. A complete restart took me 8 seconds, after that it was 100% usable. You said something about Games? Well I can play CardHunter on this one. You cannot play CardHunter on an iPad or Android. They tested some Games on it and the results are more or less acceptable. (Considering that you couldn't play those games on other tablets in the first place.) Risen (2009)low: 23.1 fps med: 8.7 fps Deus Ex Human Revolution (2011) low: 19.7 fps The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (2011)low: 11.8 fps Diablo III (2012)low: 18.4 fps med: 12 fps Tomb Raider (2013) low: 15.9 fps med: 6.9 fps Dota 2 (2013)low: 20.8 fps med: 13.7 fps As you can see, they only tested fairly new games (Except Risen). I believe other Games like World of Warcraft or else should run mire smoothly. They stated in one review that Star Craft 2 run fine. I cannot confirm that, because I am only playing some Flash browsergames and some xbox games on it so far. Ah before I forget: The Office Suite 2013 is already on the Device, in case you need those. I could write on an on, but maybe it is easier to have a look on this in-depth review: http://www.notebookcheck.net/Review-Asus-Transformer-Book-T100TA-C1-GR-Convertible.106219.0.html So long good luck with your decision! *cuddles* Siquinanamook
Fun to see so many anti-Apple people here I've got an iPad Mini because of two key reasons: - You cannot beat the iOS software market. It gets every game and app you could possibly want. Some of them may come to Android, but only months or years afterwards. - Its form factor, coupled with its battery life and weight, makes it super-easy to slip into a backpack, courier bag, or what-have-you and go. I've watched 2 movies on it and played a few games on one flight with ample battery remaining. I've owned an Nexus 7 and it was crazy-nice also. But I also have an Android Phone (HTC One) which was more powerful than it, so I saw no reason to have two android devices and, at the time, I was working on mobile games and really needed an iOS device to see what competition there was (a lot, and much of it amazingly good). I find the 11" iPad (even the Air) to be too unwieldy for me and, while I love how customizable Android is and how Windows Mobile actually works, the dearth of applications kill either environment for me. A Surface Pro runs Windows 8.1 (like my desktop), but it's basically a replacement for an Ultrabook. It's a lot more than your iPad Mini (especially if you forego the retina display and get a Gen 1 version like mine). And Jon has stated that they are working on an iOS version of Card Hunter (though details and time-tables are non-existent right now so don't ask me anything about it). While there are more Android devices out in the wild, only iOS users pay for applications. Android users use free, rarely buy anything, and pirate games like crazy. To spend the time and money to port things to Android w/o having solid iOS performance basically means you're working yourself into debt.
Yeah, thanks for the advice everyone. Just unpacked the iPad Air in the end, and installing some apps on it - looking forward to be able to play some Card Hunter on it in the future! It's going to be interesting how existing accounts will be handled - cross platform makes sense, but is it even possible? (also, just installed Sorcery! - heard it's a cool modernization of "chose your own adventure"). Any tips on nice gaming apps welcome.
