Which Tablet For "productivity"?

[BlueStringPudding]

... And don't say "blue one" or "amphetamine" or the like

 

I'm thinking of getting rid of my old iPad and getting myself something that functions better for using MS Office. I like the smallness of the old iPad and its excellent connectivity. But editing any files sent me is a chore. And I end up working between my Windows 8 laptop (better for Office) and my iPad (more conveniently sized, touchscreen and better for instant connectivity), my ye olde work PC still on 2003, and some cloud based storage, which is a four way faff not to mention requiring more precious leccy if running two of those on the boat.

 

Does anyone have experience of any of the Windows tablets? What's your verdict?

[Québec]

The OH, who knows about these things, has just ordered the Microsoft Surface RT.

 

Had good reviews

 

http://www.pcpro.co.uk/reviews/tablets/379795/microsoft-surface-rt

 

http://www.techradar.com/reviews/pc-mac/tablets/microsoft-surface-rt-1085839/review

[Bobbybass]

... And don't say "blue one" or "amphetamine" or the like

 

 

Viagra is the best..

You can get it over the counter, but only if you take two.

[Biggles]

Because is on charge I am typing this on my nearly redundant iPad 2 but my favourite by far is my Samsung Chromebook.

 

I ditched my iPhone about a year ago for a Samsung Note 2 and it seamlessly integrates with the Chromebook on the Android platform. I just wish my iPad would run on Android and it would be perfect.

[Dyad]

 

Viagra is the best..

You can get it over the counter, but only if you take two.

 

I tried taking viagra once but I got it stuck in my throat, I had a stiff neck for days.

 

Sorry BSP, couldn't resist

Edited July 24, 2013 by Dyad

[Guest]

... And don't say "blue one" or "amphetamine" or the like

 

I'm thinking of getting rid of my old iPad and getting myself something that functions better for using MS Office. I like the smallness of the old iPad and its excellent connectivity. But editing any files sent me is a chore. And I end up working between my Windows 8 laptop (better for Office) and my iPad (more conveniently sized, touchscreen and better for instant connectivity), my ye olde work PC still on 2003, and some cloud based storage, which is a four way faff not to mention requiring more precious leccy if running two of those on the boat.

 

Does anyone have experience of any of the Windows tablets? What's your verdict?

 

My eldest daughter very nearly got one of these when she bought a lappy recently.

 

http://www.dell.com/uk/p/XPS-10-tablet/pd

 

Very neat I thought, a tablet when you need one and a lappy if if you want a better keyboard., but she got an 'ordinary' Dell laptop in the end.

 

She is also now a big fan of Windows 8 and having used it a few times on her lap top I'm warming to it. I's very fast and stable on her machine.

Edited July 24, 2013 by The Dog House

[Jo_]

Another alternative is to go with a Surface Pro. It's a little expensive (8 or 9 hundred pounds) but it's a "real PC" in the tablet format.

 

Note that while the Surface RT (which has just come down in price) runs Windows 8, it isn't the real Windows 8 but rather a version cut specifically for the Surface RT operating systems so you can't run applications for real Windows.

 

Chromebook is excellent and very reasonably priced but you have to live in the Cloud.

 

The Dell is like a normal little laptop - a touchscreen version of a little netbook.

 

If you're looking for an Android then either a Nexus 7 or Nexus 10 would be the choices.

 

(the above from my tecky husband, not me!)

[Richard10002]

Because is on charge I am typing this on my nearly redundant iPad 2 but my favourite by far is my Samsung Chromebook.

I ditched my iPhone about a year ago for a Samsung Note 2 and it seamlessly integrates with the Chromebook on the Android platform. I just wish my iPad would run on Android and it would be perfect.

What happens if you can't get an Internet connection?

[mrsmelly]

What happens if you can't get an Internet connection?

Dont worry you will not die !! The internet as with mobile telephones have not been found to extend a normal lifespan.

 

Tim

[BlueStringPudding]

Another alternative is to go with a Surface Pro. It's a little expensive (8 or 9 hundred pounds) but it's a "real PC" in the tablet format. Note that while the Surface RT (which has just come down in price) runs Windows 8, it isn't the real Windows 8 but rather a version cut specifically for the Surface RT operating systems so you can't run applications for real Windows. Chromebook is excellent and very reasonably priced but you have to live in the Cloud. The Dell is like a normal little laptop - a touchscreen version of a little netbook. If you're looking for an Android then either a Nexus 7 or Nexus 10 would be the choices. (the above from my tecky husband, not me!)

I've been looking at reviews of Surface Pro and it's connectivity outside of your home hub is heavily criticised. So I'm a little reluctant to splash out £700 on it if it doesn't fully function as a tablet.

[BlueStringPudding]

The OH, who knows about these things, has just ordered the Microsoft Surface RT.

Had good reviews

http://www.pcpro.co.uk/reviews/tablets/379795/microsoft-surface-rt

http://www.techradar.com/reviews/pc-mac/tablets/microsoft-surface-rt-1085839/review

Interesting reading, thanks. Seems like Windows isn't up to speed with the likes of android yet. But the compromise with android is the lack of Office.

 

Anyone got any experience of using Office documents on the newer tablets?

[Suzie_q]

Polaris office on the Samsung tablets works well with word documents. I've not had any major issues with compatibility. There have been some problems with spreadsheets but I think they are sorted now.

[koukouvagia]

I've got a Sony Duo 11. A bit pricey but a brilliant machine. Proper keyboard, folds flat into a tablet, full Microsoft Office etc. Together with a 3 MiFi, it's just like using a laptop at home.

OH has got a Chromebook. It's OK but I wouldn't want to do any serious Word-type work on it.

[i love my narrowboat]

I upgraded from Nexus 7 to the new Ipad, purely because I have an Iphone 4 and I use it for tethering to Ipad. I like the Samsung phones but as there is nothing wrong with my present phone I can't justify getting the Samsung. I think it is purely personal choice and there is certainly a lot of choices today :-)

[bodger]

Kindle fire HD does about everything, and plays HD movies through HDMI to TV. (and you can read books on it!)

[Guest]

I upgraded from Nexus 7 to the new Ipad, purely because I have an Iphone 4 and I use it for tethering to Ipad.

 

Cough - some might actually say you have downgrade to an iPad......

 

I'm curious as to the reason for the change, surely you could have tethered your Nexus 7 to the iPhone just as well, to tether to an iphone doesn't require the other device to be an apple product......or does it?

[Biggles]

What happens if you can't get an Internet connection?

It still works with what you have saved on it much like an ipad, but agree its much better connected. to the net.

Interesting reading, thanks. Seems like Windows isn't up to speed with the likes of android yet. But the compromise with android is the lack of Office.

 

Anyone got any experience of using Office documents on the newer tablets?

Office documents work very well in google docs. I have no trouble with either word or excel moving across platforms. Formatting stays pretty constant.

[Chris Pink]

... And don't say "blue one" or "amphetamine" or the like

 

I'm thinking of getting rid of my old iPad and getting myself something that functions better for using MS Office. I like the smallness of the old iPad and its excellent connectivity. But editing any files sent me is a chore. And I end up working between my Windows 8 laptop (better for Office) and my iPad (more conveniently sized, touchscreen and better for instant connectivity), my ye olde work PC still on 2003, and some cloud based storage, which is a four way faff not to mention requiring more precious leccy if running two of those on the boat.

 

Does anyone have experience of any of the Windows tablets? What's your verdict?

Why don't you try a wireless keyboard with the iPad, much cheaper and easier than replacing it?

 

You can also get OpenOffice for iPad now, will deal with most Microsoft stuff though Google Docs is good too but you do need to be online, using data to use it.

[Richard10002]

Dont worry you will not die !! The internet as with mobile telephones have not been found to extend a normal lifespan.

 

Tim

 

I wasnt concerned, but merely wondering if it was useable in any way, or whether it has to be connected to a cloud server of some kind to do anything.

 

having said that, think the Internet might have extended my personal lifespan, (not sure whether it is normal, or not). Helped me identify a need to see a doctor, when I was on a long holiday on a boat in Malta. Came home, saw my doctor, discovered cancer early enough to treat it, and I'm still here. Had I left it much longer, it might not have been treatable, and I would have died about 5 years ago. Having related that, I'd guess that there might be quite a few lifespans that have been extended because of access to information on the Internet.

[Odana]

Why don't you try a wireless keyboard with the iPad, much cheaper and easier than replacing it?

 

You can also get OpenOffice for iPad now, will deal with most Microsoft stuff though Google Docs is good too but you do need to be online, using data to use it.

 

I have just been given a shiny new ipad through work. Would have got something else i I was buying but I think I may be in lurrrve now, after just a day!

 

I want to get a decent keyboard to work with it as it will replace my ailing netbook, and will need to get software to make it work with everything else I use in MS Office. Any recommendations? I was given the ipad but will have to invest in all the other bits myself.

 

Oh, and one of those fancy stylus things that will read my handwriting - I reeeeally want one of those too. I hear you can get ones nowdays that record sound while you write, too. That would be heaven!

 

Thanks from a behind-the-times convert.

[Chris Pink]

The expensive (but best) option:

http://www.apple.com/uk/keyboard/

 

 

There's one here a bit cheaper;

 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Apple-Wireless-Keyboard-British-/200818661764#vi-content

Just to note, there's a lot of counterfeit Apple MC184B keyboards on eBay - ie most of them as far as I can tell. I don't know if they work or not but they aren't Apple keyboards.

THe one I linked to is genuine (or at least it's a genuine box!)

[steven wilkinson]

I have just wasted £400 on a Sony tablet. It has turned out to be a toy - just for surfing the net, playing videos, listening to music, playing games! It isn't productive at all. I am going to write it off and get a proper laptop again!

[smileypete]

Interesting reading, thanks. Seems like Windows isn't up to speed with the likes of android yet. But the compromise with android is the lack of Office.

 

Anyone got any experience of using Office documents on the newer tablets?

There's at least a few Android apps that can edit office documents, have a look on Play store on the web.

 

Also some Android tablets allow a bluetooth wireless mouse or USB mouse to be connected for editing, so maybe worth a try out of someones Android tablet and a few apps.

 

But if you have to stick with the iPad, would a smaller lighter lappy help? These days a 2nd user 11" or 12" lappie with half decent spec can be had for about £60-100 on Ebay.

 

cheers, Pete.

~smpt~

[Grace and Favour]

BSP,

 

I've no experience of Windows tablets I'm afraid, though I use a MacAir, connectivity is good, and it runs all my MS Office programs without a problem

[Guest]

Kingsoft Office is a cross platform office suite that's worth a look.

 

I use it on my Windows PC, my Android Nexus 7 and I believe there is an iOS version for iPhone too.