Which Android tablet to buy?

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technicaljoe

248 posts

Master Geek

#105797 10-Jul-2012 23:03

Seriously considering to get an Android tablet to tie me over till Microsoft Surface eventually make its way to New Zealand...

Main things I'd use it for are:
* Reading news, books, documents, etc.
* Access applications hosted on Citrix
* Taking notes in meeting

Any recommendation on which Android tablet to get? Or should I get an iPad?

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#653806 10-Jul-2012 23:04

Since you didn't mention storage intensive use-cases there surely it's impossible to go past a Nexus 7?

Twitter: @nztechfreak
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technicaljoe

248 posts

Master Geek

#653810 10-Jul-2012 23:34

I'm seriously thinking about Nexus 7.
Pros:
* Value for money
* 7" (great for reading wherever I am)
Cons:
* Limited storage
* No memory card option
* Have to rely on WiFi tethering for mobile broadband access
* 7" (probably not great for accessing Citrix apps)

Anyone keen to share thoughts on ASUS tables?
* NZ release date for TF700?
* Is ASUS TF300 any good? How does it compare with TF201?

NZtechfreak

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#653814 10-Jul-2012 23:50

TF300 will be a great tablet also, I had the Prime and TF300 improves on some of the flaws of the Prime. If something larger than 7 inches is required for some of the things you want to do you can't do better than the ASUS tablets (in the Android world at any rate).

Twitter: @nztechfreak
Blogs: HeadphoNZ.org

psychrn

1603 posts

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#653816 11-Jul-2012 00:32

Ive gone from iPads to an Transformer Prime. Does that I need very well. The newer ones be better if you can get one. Should mention I have the 201

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qraider

374 posts

Ultimate Geek

#653991 11-Jul-2012 13:39

I use the Acer Iconia Tab A500 (WiFi only). Does the job for me - kindle, movies (from external HDD), youtube, etc.

Warehouse Stationery has a 3G version

Current Phone:
- Android: Samsung SM-G900F Galaxy S5 (XT)
- Win Phone 8: Samsung ATIV S (XT)

Current Tablet:

- Acer Iconia 7" Android Tablet

Twitter: qraider

technicaljoe

248 posts

Master Geek

#654203 11-Jul-2012 21:32

Thanks everyone!

By the way, is getting a TF300 an upgrade or a downgrade when comparing with a TF201?

qraider: How do you find Iconia Tab's build quality?

toyonut

1508 posts

Uber Geek

#654208 11-Jul-2012 21:38

Sorry to hijack, but where are people buying/ planning to buy the nexus 7 tablets from? I'm keen to see one and maybe even buy it eventually, but not sure where one would go about finding one.

Try Vultr using this link and get us both some credit:

http://www.vultr.com/?ref=7033587-3B

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technicaljoe

248 posts

Master Geek

#654213 11-Jul-2012 21:50

No problem.

I've can see Nexus 7's pre-order page on Noel Leeming's website:
http://www.noelleeming.co.nz/shop/computers/tablet-computers/asus-nexus7-google-nexus-7-16gb-tablet/prod117492.html

I'm quite tempted myself, but do wonder whether 7" would be too small for me... (big fingers)

campoki

53 posts

Master Geek

#654216 11-Jul-2012 22:03

Flaws with Transformer prime are Wifi and GPS, that's about it really. GPS really does suck though, because of the aluminum backing and Wifi can soemtimes cut out. I've had the the transformer prime, (TF201) since March and Asus has been releasing many updates to fix many minor issues. So basically the TF300 is an upgrade from the prime as it doesn't have these issues.
So far though quite impressed with my prime, as it does what I want it to do. Ie Internet Browsing, reading MS files, watching movies and taking notes. If I had to decide which tablet to purchase it would definitely be the TF300. If you can wait for about a year the TF700 would be my choice, although could be a bit pricey.

technicaljoe

248 posts

Master Geek

#654218 11-Jul-2012 22:17

Campoki: Would you consider a Nexus 7?

NZtechfreak

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#654245 11-Jul-2012 23:08

qraider: I use the Acer Iconia Tab A500 (WiFi only). Does the job for me - kindle, movies (from external HDD), youtube, etc.

Warehouse Stationery has a 3G version

I wouldn't recommend getting a Tegra 2 based Android tablet, too many shortcomings that virtually all others remove.

Twitter: @nztechfreak
Blogs: HeadphoNZ.org

qraider

374 posts

Ultimate Geek

#654522 12-Jul-2012 13:43

technicaljoe:

qraider: How do you find Iconia Tab's build quality?

It's really good,

- has endured being stuck in the motorcycle pack for the trip to work (in a Targus netbook case).
- has a good solid feel to it
- is easy to hold with 1 hand
- great for bedtime reading/movie watching
- has a full size USB port > handy for charging a mobile or plugging in an external HDD

- I'm quite impressed with it to be honest & not looking to replace it with anything at this point in time

Current Phone:
- Android: Samsung SM-G900F Galaxy S5 (XT)
- Win Phone 8: Samsung ATIV S (XT)

Current Tablet:

- Acer Iconia 7" Android Tablet

Twitter: qraider

stevenz

2802 posts

Uber Geek

#654529 12-Jul-2012 13:52

The Samsung units have great built quality and aren't too excessively priced considering. Pretty reasonable functionality.

The Toshiba one is an absolute slab.

@KnightNZ

DoomlordVekk

129 posts

Master Geek

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#654530 12-Jul-2012 13:52

Could I also suggest that if you think you ever want the extra battery life and real keyboard, not to mention most of the expansion ports, then get the dock at the same time as you get the tablet (assuming a Prime, the TF300 or TF700 in your future).

I have the Prime, love it to bits but wish I had got the dock when I originally got the TF201. Trying to purchase the dock as a standalone item seems almost impossible, they are somewhat rare on the ground as a standalone item.

I am making eyes at the Nexus 7 as well. Lack of space expansion is always a bugbear however.

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Bteam

89 posts

Master Geek

Lifetime subscriber

#654765 12-Jul-2012 19:27

Has anyone got any constructive comments on the Vigo sold at the Warehouse?

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