Best Tablets?

Zeno · August 1st, 2011, 11:50 PM

So I am considering buying one of the tablet devices.

Considering IPad2, Motorola Xoom and Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1.

I've read reviews and it seems:

IPad2 has the most available apps

IPad lacks Flash for web browsing.

Xoom & Galaxy have the best video resolution.

Galaxy is the lightest (barely) but Xoom is considered most durable.

Battery life favors the IPad followed by Xoom...Galaxy actually trails by about 2 hours.

It seems the OS is all a matter of preference.

Prices are all pretty similar...looking at 3g versions (Galaxy just released 4G version last week)

I asked the geniuses at Best Buy when I was looking and they were less than helpful.

Does anyone own one and have an opinion one way or another? This is going to be more toy for me than anything--browsing, movies, games--for when I am travelling. I don't care much about camera or video recording.

CatBoxBackFan · August 2nd, 2011, 10:18 AM

I'm looking to get the Galaxy Tab and used Digital Digest to help with my decision.

Zeno · August 2nd, 2011, 04:58 PM

I eliminated the Xoom, talked to another person from Best Buy and they said that for every 3 they sell 1 is returned within a couple of weeks for different reasons.

TheHopToad · August 2nd, 2011, 05:11 PM

A good place to look is the reviews at Amazon. There's usually a large enough sample size to get a consensus on the product.

Here are the reviews for the Ipad2:
http://www.amazon.com/Apple-MC979LL-...DateDescending

Here are the reviews for the Zoom:
http://www.amazon.com/MOTOROLA-XOOM-...DateDescending

Chances are, someone has already addressed your concerns.

Dr. Jones · August 2nd, 2011, 05:28 PM

I have a xoom, an ipad1, and look forward to the Samsung 10.1 coming shortly.

Love the to do apps on my I pad and the corp email.

Hate safari, and hate paying for apps.

I am posting this from my xoom and can easily tell you that I love the browser. I hate the way the weighting of it is though. The I pad seems to have better weight distribution.

If I was buying one I would make sure to get cellular service in it. It is so darned convenient.

My personal preference would be the 10.1 with 4g LTE built in. Awesome screen, best in class speeds, more free apps, and the best web browser on any tablet....... CHROME!!!!!!

masterphomeg · August 2nd, 2011, 06:41 PM

Also check out the Toshiba Thrive. Uses full size peripheral connections and SD cards.

Zeno · August 2nd, 2011, 08:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by anytimeuwnt

I have a xoom, an ipad1, and look forward to the Samsung 10.1 coming shortly.

Love the to do apps on my I pad and the corp email.

Hate safari, and hate paying for apps.

I am posting this from my xoom and can easily tell you that I love the browser. I hate the way the weighting of it is though. The I pad seems to have better weight distribution.

If I was buying one I would make sure to get cellular service in it. It is so darned convenient.

My personal preference would be the 10.1 with 4g LTE built in. Awesome screen, best in class speeds, more free apps, and the best web browser on any tablet....... CHROME!!!!!!

Wow, you have a variety.

I talked to the Samsung rep at Best Buy today, mentioned the 4G LTE, unfortunately it wasn't available anywhere but at Verizon stores so far (I have Best Buy reward zone money & my wife gave me a $300 gift card so I was planning my purchase there). The Galaxy Tab sure does look nice though...I may end up "settling" for the IPad2 just for ease of use and it really does what I want it for (like I said a "toy" more than anything), I haven't totally made up my mind though.

AzStevenCal · August 2nd, 2011, 11:06 PM

I haven't done exhaustive research but I'm leaning towards the Toshiba Thrive. I like the full size HDMI port and that's probably the kicker for me. Plus, I liked the feel of it better than the other units. It's thicker but it seems a lot easier to hold onto.

Steve

Shane · August 3rd, 2011, 07:26 AM

Just bought my kid the Acer Iconia 500.. Its s pretty sweet machine!

We also have an IPAD which I love too.

DeAnna · August 3rd, 2011, 11:38 AM

Lack of a hard drive was a deal breaker for me, as well as no usb ports.

I ended up getting a ThinkPad x61 (tablet/laptop) with digital stylus pen so I can have clients sign right on the screen.

Zeno · August 6th, 2011, 03:51 AM

I ended up with the IPad2 with 32GB & 3G, so far so good. A ton of free useful apps out there too, I am impressed.

AzStevenCal · August 6th, 2011, 06:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zeno

I ended up with the IPad2 with 32GB & 3G, so far so good. A ton of free useful apps out there too, I am impressed.

Yeah, I went the same way (sort of). I decided to hold off on one for myself but we bought one for my wife - a 64GB (wi-fi only) ipad 2. We made our decision based on the number of apps, none of the others can compete in this area right now. My wife loves it but we're only about 12 hours into our purchase so we shall see. It's a small detail but I really like being able to browse through my Kindle books the way this thing displays them.

Steve