Android Smartphone vs Android Tablet

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semigeek

1604 posts

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#82247 26-Apr-2011 10:17

So I'm very interested in an Android Tablet, most probably at this stage the Acer Iconia A500. Problem is, I have a Samsung Galaxy S which does what I believe everything that a tablet can do. Apart from the size difference obviously and 2.2/2.3 vs 3.0.

If you have an Android phone and also have, or are looking at getting a tablet. What are your reasons for doing so?

marmel

1890 posts

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#462599 26-Apr-2011 16:54

Ever tried surfing the net on a phone? I don't care what people say it is painful at the best of times.

Ever tried giving your phone to your kids to watch a movie? Just doesn't work.

Ever tried playing a game on a phone? see above.

There you go, three reasons right there.

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wanghou168

453 posts

Ultimate Geek

#462616 26-Apr-2011 17:09

+3 to the reasons stated above

Another one to add to the list

Try edit your work document on your phone.
You will know how painful it is to do so, zooming shifting around...... and so on.

My most painful experience is reading a pdf doc in my phone....should never have done it
Which makes me want to upgrade phones again, And getting another Android tablet.

MOBILE: Huawei P30
OTHER: Thinkpad E14 + Asus Vivobook + Intel NUC5i3 + A family of Raspberry Pi x 9 + Amazon Echo

NZtechfreak

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#462635 26-Apr-2011 17:31

I'm going to get the Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9 when it comes, for much the same reasons as those pointed out above - more comfortable browsing, better for direct video playback (as opposed streaming via DLNA, or via TV Out cable), better for some games, better for e-book reading, document editing (although my Galaxy S with TV Out and a bluetooth keyboard and mouse makes document editing quite painless, I must say).

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Paulsy

24 posts

Geek

#462728 26-Apr-2011 20:15

Personally I'd rather have a smartphone and a netbook. If I have to lug around something as big as that I want PC compatibility and all the usefulness that comes with it. YMMV however. Maybe I'll feel differently in a couple of years time.

marmel

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#462730 26-Apr-2011 20:23

Paulsy: Personally I'd rather have a smartphone and a netbook. If I have to lug around something as big as that I want PC compatibility and all the usefulness that comes with it. YMMV however. Maybe I'll feel differently in a couple of years time.

I think the big difference between a netbook and the tablets we have mentioned is the OS.

A novice user (or smaller child) would find it pretty difficult to stuff up the OS of a tablet and generally within a few minutes are pretty comfortable navigating their way around.

Tablets are extremely easy to use and quick to switch between apps.

wanghou168

453 posts

Ultimate Geek

#462732 26-Apr-2011 20:29

+ 1

my 3 years old cousin knows how to play games on my ipad instantly
while on the other hand, she still dont know how to find paint on my laptop after 1 year since she touched my laptop

i think the big difference is OS, portability, no keyboard really.
if I can, I might choose to sell my laptop and stay on my android tablet forever, especially if that tablet is the new Asus model

MOBILE: Huawei P30
OTHER: Thinkpad E14 + Asus Vivobook + Intel NUC5i3 + A family of Raspberry Pi x 9 + Amazon Echo

Paulsy

24 posts

Geek

#462733 26-Apr-2011 20:30

marmel: I think the big difference between a netbook and the tablets we have mentioned is the OS.

A novice user (or smaller child) would find it pretty difficult to stuff up the OS of a tablet and generally within a few minutes are pretty comfortable navigating their way around.

Tablets are extremely easy to use and quick to switch between apps.

Remember many netbooks come dual boot with Android now (though trying to drive it without a touchscreen would be interesting). As I said YMMV - not everyone wants to let a small child loose on an expensive tablet. I let one use my smartphone and it has a nice dent in it now.

tigercorp

662 posts

Ultimate Geek

#462737 26-Apr-2011 20:45

marmel: Ever tried surfing the net on a phone? I don't care what people say it is painful at the best of times.

Ever tried giving your phone to your kids to watch a movie? Just doesn't work.

Ever tried playing a game on a phone? see above.

There you go, three reasons right there.

Which is exactly why I got the 7" Galaxy Tab :) And it's primary use is still as a phone...

ntsan

58 posts

Master Geek

#462758 26-Apr-2011 21:28

I was going to get a 7", but I think a smartphone + 8.9"/10" is a better combo, sometimes 7" just don't feel big enough

kobiak

1615 posts

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#462763 26-Apr-2011 21:36

I've come accross yesterday, good read. Big-Screen Phone Or Tablet? What Android Device To Buy?

I want an Android tablet myself, so digging deep into this.

helping others at evgenyk.nz

graemeh

2078 posts

Uber Geek

#462773 26-Apr-2011 21:49

Angry Birds is stunning on a 7" screen, some phones don't have enough power to run it.

androidmnz

178 posts

Master Geek

#463429 28-Apr-2011 16:50

graemeh: Angry Birds is stunning on a 7" screen, some phones don't have enough power to run it.

I have a 4" smartphone and a 7" tablet and the 7" is perfect for me. I've had a 10.1 aswell, but it takes the mobility away for me. I can hold my Galaxy Tab comfortably in one hand which I like. It's a great size for movies, angry birds (stunning as above), and kindle books.

fahrenheit

757 posts

Ultimate Geek

#463444 28-Apr-2011 17:28

I'd like a tablet for the kitchen to replace/compliment my Galaxy S.
It wouldn't need to be too special, just act as a recipe book/to do list/shopping list etc.

I've used the phone as a recipe book a number of times and there is nothing worse than having to clean and dry your hands, wake the phone up and then scroll down the page, only to repeat the same procedure 10 minutes later.

My problem is that as soon as I buy a tablet, I'll find other uses for it and it will never be where I want it when I need it.

Those internet fridges were a great idea. Try dragging one of those into the lounge...

Paulsy

24 posts

Geek

#463496 28-Apr-2011 20:09

fahrenheit: I'd like a tablet for the kitchen to replace/compliment my Galaxy S.
It wouldn't need to be too special, just act as a recipe book/to do list/shopping list etc.

I've used the phone as a recipe book a number of times and there is nothing worse than having to clean and dry your hands, wake the phone up and then scroll down the page, only to repeat the same procedure 10 minutes later.

My problem is that as soon as I buy a tablet, I'll find other uses for it and it will never be where I want it when I need it.

Those internet fridges were a great idea. Try dragging one of those into the lounge...

Stick it to the fridge door and make an Android internet fridge? Just need to hide the power cable somehow.