Is a tablet pc a need or a want?

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Gradine

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#107324 9-Aug-2012 12:51

Travelling overseas to Europe next year. Is a Tablet PC needed whilst on such a trip or just a "nice thing to have"?
What would I use the device for - writing emails hone and receivibg emails from home?
Would I ever need it to browse the internet whilst away from NZ?
Would I use any software such as a wordprocessor or spreadsheet?
Would I take photos using the device and store them and/or email them home?
Would I become a target for theft?
Would I use it to access my banking details - and what are the security issues should I do that, or should the device be stolen?
Any other comments.
I have a mobile phone for calls and texts that I shall take - and have taken around the world before.
I have a digital camera for photos and videos - that has also been around the world.
Why, why, why would I need a Tablet PC (or iPad)?

xpd

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#670041 9-Aug-2012 13:03

For me, its more of a want rather than a need... for someone wanting to travel light for a period of time, then a tablet isnt a bad idea.

But something someone on GZ mentioned once before.... if you want to view, a tablet is fine, if you want to create, get a laptop.

Gavin / xpd / FastRaccoon / Geek of Coastguard New Zealand

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Jaxson

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#670042 9-Aug-2012 13:07

xpd: if you want to view, a tablet is fine, if you want to create, get a laptop.

Nicely put!

hairy1

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#670050 9-Aug-2012 13:28

xpd: For me, its more of a want rather than a need... for someone wanting to travel light for a period of time, then a tablet isnt a bad idea.

But something someone on GZ mentioned once before.... if you want to view, a tablet is fine, if you want to create, get a laptop.

Exactly! Trying to create content on the tablet is a PITA. If you are desperate for a tablet then maybe get an ASUS Transformer. The TF300 is probably the pick unless you can spring for the Prime....

Awesome battery life and you can use it as a tablet if you like.

My views (except when I am looking out their windows) are not those of my employer.

wellygary

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#670060 9-Aug-2012 13:48

Gradine: Travelling overseas to Europe next year. Is a Tablet PC needed whilst on such a trip or just a "nice thing to have"?

What would I use the device for - writing emails hone and receivibg emails from home?
I think you probably would send and receive emails while using wifi at a Coffee shop, rather than hunting out a Internet cafe
Would I ever need it to browse the internet whilst away from NZ?
Local maps are damned useful, so are checking things like opening times of attractions, along with bus and train timetables, the weather etc
Would I use any software such as a wordprocessor or spreadsheet?
Probably not
Would I take photos using the device and store them and/or email them home?
Probably not, but you might want to sync/upload your camera photos to it, and send some of them home, also a Tablet/Netbook is a good place to store images if you don't have huge capacity memory cards for your camera. ( how long are you away?)
Would I become a target for theft?
Perhaps, but probably no more than a nice camera, phone or wallet
Would I use it to access my banking details - and what are the security issues should I do that, or should the device be stolen?
Not sure if you would want to internet bank, but if you did I would use my own Tablet/netbook over an internet cafe

mattRSK

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#670068 9-Aug-2012 14:01

Prior to owning one it is a want, after that the need kicks in.

crackrdbycracku

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#670071 9-Aug-2012 14:05

Gradine: Travelling overseas to Europe next year. Is a Tablet PC needed whilst on such a trip or just a "nice thing to have"?

Personally, I would prefer a smartphone. There are plenty of useful things a connected device can do such as maps and net access. However, for me the convenience of being able to have the device in my pocket where it is easily accessible outweighs the bigger screen. If your considering buying new the recent 4" screen models get close to the best of both worlds.

I wouldn't take a laptop on holiday, they are for work.

Didn't anybody tell you I was a hacker?

oxnsox

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#670100 9-Aug-2012 14:41

wellygary:
Gradine: Travelling overseas to Europe next year. Is a Tablet PC needed whilst on such a trip or just a "nice thing to have"?

What would I use the device for - writing emails hone and receivibg emails from home?
I think you probably would send and receive emails while using wifi at a Coffee shop, rather than hunting out a Internet cafe
Would I ever need it to browse the internet whilst away from NZ?
Local maps are damned useful, so are checking things like opening times of attractions, along with bus and train timetables, the weather etc
Would I use any software such as a wordprocessor or spreadsheet?
Probably not
Would I take photos using the device and store them and/or email them home?
Probably not, but you might want to sync/upload your camera photos to it, and send some of them home, also a Tablet/Netbook is a good place to store images if you don't have huge capacity memory cards for your camera. ( how long are you away?)
Would I become a target for theft?
Perhaps, but probably no more than a nice camera, phone or wallet
Would I use it to access my banking details - and what are the security issues should I do that, or should the device be stolen?
Not sure if you would want to internet bank, but if you did I would use my own Tablet/netbook over an internet cafe

I'd agree with all the above plus add this.

If you're thinking about a Tablet then think about what size best suits what you want to do. I have a 7in unit that I've travelled with overseas and it's ideal for keeping up-to-date and on-line (emails, browsing, reviewing/sending pictures, and as an e-reader).
If I had/have a lot of work content then I'll take a laptop which along with it's larger screen and bulk lets me better get inside work projects. But then it's also because I'm spending hours at time using it.

A small tablet is light enough to easily carry (fits in the inside pocket of most jackets including suits), can connect most anywhere thru wifi, or a phone tether. For some a large screen phone serves the same purpose. For me I see my tablet and phone as complimentary when I travel, each a back-up device for the other if someone should choose to run off with either.

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Gradine

77 posts

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#670101 9-Aug-2012 14:45

Good answers.

Shall not be creating whilst travelling - ie documents, spreadsheets etc. Would likely only use for emails (reading and writing) and on that basis doesn't seem to justify purchase. Can be in touch with NZ via text and actual phone calls and that is all "covered" anyway.
Doesn't seem to be a "need". And, cannot see any need for such a device at home. All pc type "work" is done from a desktop. That will not cease so a Tablet device will be idle on return from overseas.
Any other comments?

wellygary

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#670108 9-Aug-2012 15:03

Gradine: Good answers.

Can be in touch with NZ via text and actual phone calls and that is all "covered" anyway.
Skyping home for nothing is always a good bonus

Doesn't seem to be a "need". And, cannot see any need for such a device at home. All pc type "work" is done from a desktop
A tablet/netbook is not ( nor have they ever been sold as) a replacement for a desktop machine.

That will not cease so a Tablet device will be idle on return from overseas.
Do you watch any digital based video content at home, I find a tablet really useful to watch movies on in bed + catching up on podcasts from Nat radio shows around the house
- sure these are wants rather than needs, but hey so is indoor plumbing :)

crackrdbycracku

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#670111 9-Aug-2012 15:08

Gradine: Any other comments?

A device with GPS and maps can come in very handy, depending on where you are going. Places like Japan can be difficult to find your way around.

An ebook reading device can also come in handy, Kindle et al are better as dedicated readers but it is another device to carry.

Didn't anybody tell you I was a hacker?

scuwp

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#670158 9-Aug-2012 16:08

Last 2 trips have included an ipad. Wouldn't be without one now. Banking (no dodgy internet cafe) games to keep the kids occupied, books, emails, photos, internet (incl Facebook, twitter) the odd document, researching local attractions, events, prices, times, directions, GPS....the list goes on. Sure a smart phone with a decent screen might be ok, but the ability to use it as a book reader sold a tablet for us.

At home they get used way more often than the lappy.

Free wi-fi all over the place now, great!

Lazy is such an ugly word, I prefer to call it selective participation

UncleArk

110 posts

Master Geek

#670179 9-Aug-2012 16:57

Gradine: Travelling overseas to Europe next year. Is a Tablet PC needed whilst on such a trip or just a "nice thing to have"?
What would I use the device for - writing emails hone and receivibg emails from home?
Would I ever need it to browse the internet whilst away from NZ?
Would I use any software such as a wordprocessor or spreadsheet?
Would I take photos using the device and store them and/or email them home?
Would I become a target for theft?
Would I use it to access my banking details - and what are the security issues should I do that, or should the device be stolen?
Any other comments.
I have a mobile phone? for calls and texts that I shall take - and have taken around the world before.
I have a digital camera for photos and videos - that has also been around the world.
Why, why, why would I need a Tablet PC (or iPad)?

For me a tablet (iPad) was far more convenient in terms of instant on, size, battery life, no chunky cords and chargers and usage.

I recently traveled to and spent three weeks in Tasmania and Melbourne. I agonized over whether to take a laptop, a netbook or an iPad.

In the end I chose my 3G iPad and I had no regrets. (I also took my iPhone 4S.)

I used it for emailing, web browsing, tracking holiday spending on an excel spreadsheet, using calendar extensively for booking appointments and activities, using maps to locate places and other utilitarian/productivity things I am sure I have forgotten.

It was also my e-Book reader, music player, movie and TV player (preloaded it with heaps of TV episodes and multimedia before leaving NZ) while away and even saved on the in-flight entertainment costs!

I also downloaded photos daily onto it from my digital camera (or iPhone - we had both available) and spent time enhancing/adding effects etc to these using Snapseed or Photoshop Express for emailing back home or just for memories sake...

Believe it or not I did actually record video footage (we stayed with family and wanted to capture some memories) and am more than happy with the quality of that.

We also used it for Skyping folks back home.

I also used Sygic as an in-car navigation app but this was on my iPhone.

Coming to the end of my posting I am realising I probably could have just made do with all this functionality on the iPhone but the iPad was nice to have with it's bigger screen.

Not sure if it answers your ponderings - but I found a tablet super convenient and catering to all my needs

Giggs

252 posts

Ultimate Geek

#670682 10-Aug-2012 17:21

In short unless you want to use it as an e-reader or to watch video I think a smartphone can do everything a tablet can do while travelling plus phone & text and it is smaller to carry.

If you want to create stuff while away then you are better off with netbook/laptop IMHO.

Elpie

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#671129 11-Aug-2012 18:49

Gradine: Good answers.

Shall not be creating whilst travelling - ie documents, spreadsheets etc. Would likely only use for emails (reading and writing) and on that basis doesn't seem to justify purchase. Can be in touch with NZ via text and actual phone calls and that is all "covered" anyway.
Doesn't seem to be a "need". And, cannot see any need for such a device at home. All pc type "work" is done from a desktop. That will not cease so a Tablet device will be idle on return from overseas.
Any other comments?

I used to think the same way. When I was given an iPad I thought it would be a dinky extra that could be fun to play with but not of any great use. Then I started to use it with productivity apps and everything changed.

At home, I use my desktop AND my iPad. Most email checking is done on my phone or iPad, sometimes even while sitting in front of my PC. I've been known to have documents open on the iPad, next to my PC keyboard, to refer to quickly while I'm working. As such, its become an indispensable tool.

After I realised I hadn't turned on my laptop in a year and was only charging the battery for a lappie I never used, I gave it to my father. The netbook has been relegated to kitchen use only, for holding recipes. I can't see I'll ever need it again for anything else.

I've travelled in Europe and Australia with only 3 devices - iPad (with a cover that is a bluetooth keyboard), smartphone, and Kindle. I can work just as easily with the iPad as I did with my laptop & it doubles as an entertainment centre. With its keyboard, I prefer sending emails from the iPad as I'm faster than I am keying into the phone. In Europe, I took my camera but in Australia I just used my phone for photos.

So, when I got my iPad it was neither a need or a want. Now its both.