CFN – So I was all set to go out and purchase an iPad mini this week when a friend said “WHOA!” and tried to convince me to look at some of the other options out there.
My friend’s iPad 2 really has impressed me and I’m leaning Apple; but have decided to be open minded and compare.
Even though I run an internet newspaper I’m not a geeky techsavvy kinda guy. I like to turn stuff on and use it. Updates, tinkering, modifications give me an aneurysm!
I have to admit I miss my iPhone which I lost. Apple keeps impressing me with their products although I’m still terrified and intimidated by their sexy computers.
The iPad Mini is about $325 with a 7 inch screen. I tried it at Staples and my worry was the smaller keys but it worked fine; at least in the store. It doesn’t have 3G at this price point and can be connected via USB 2.0 or HDMI with connectors or adaptors (which may be sold separately)
I even asked the question on Facebook as to which tablet my peeps use, why and for some advice. Here were some of the suggestions.
The Samsung Galaxy tab 3 is also about $400 It has a 10″ screen and the model I looked at on Bestbuy.ca had 16gb and worked off the Android 4.1 with Clovertail. (as if I know what that means other than it sounds kinda cutesy) It did have 1 USB port and had no 3G option. (phone)
Google Nexus 7 by Asus has 32 GB , a 7 inch screen and Android 4.1. At Bestbuy it’s only $269 which is so far the lowest priced. It has a quad core processor instead of dual quad which has to be good as it’s double, right? It appears to only have a micro usb input/output and no 3G.
The Acer Iconia A1-810 has a 7.9″ screen – 16gb with Android 4.1 OS. It’s a quad core. It does have an HDMI port and one USB port. I own 3 of their machines right now and have owned several others over the years.
The Sony Xperia looks sexy; but Sony in Computers to me always feels like Jaguars and cars. Sexy, but unreliable. I had a VAIO that was nothing but trouble.
The model I’m looking at is priced at $499. It has a 10.1″ screen, 16gb with a S4 Pro Processor. I think it has 2gb of video ram. If you bought the adapter you could have an HDMI port and there is one built in USB 2.0 port. Again it’s a Sexy Sony 🙂
The last one I looked at is the Microsoft Surface. I looked at an expensive module although there are some cheaper ones. This baby was listed for $999 but had an i5 processor. A 10.6″ screen, 128 gb of storage and 4GB of ram, windows pro 8, 1 micro hdmi port and 1 USB 3 port.
It sounds closer to a smaller notebook than tablet which I imagine for those looking to replace a notebook is a real feature.
I have to admit after looking at the specs for all these models my brain is muddled and I have letters and numbers floating in front of my eyes!
I’m kinda still leaning towards a mini for my B day gift; but will test drive a few more units before I take the plunge.
So dear viewers of CFN what tablets have you purchased and have you been happy with them? You can post your comments below.
at this point i would be stuck between the nexus 7 mainly because they JUST released a new one 2 days ago or the surface because of the steep price cut it just took due to over stock ur best bet is to look around onlin and see what deals they have out there for those two
I would recommend a full sized iPad if you want to use the device for play and work. Lots of great apps and easy to use interface.
I purchased my iPad when they where on sale at Wall-mart or
you can just find a cheaper one on kijiji.
Todd I always try to buy local before I go online.
Thanks Jamie……What a cool idea, at least it gives you and others a better idea on what to choose…….
Jamie, even a technological dinosaur like me has an Apple Ipad. Actually it’s my wife’s but I get to play with it.
One other impressive Android tablet to launch this week is the Pipo M7 Pro ($255) that for about the same price as the new Nexus 7, features a much larger 8.9 inch display with 1900 x 1200 screen resolution, a Quad core processor, along with built-in GPS navigation– and is packed with features that compare to the new Nexus — this new model works with both the new Chromecast as well as the more advanced Miracast HD Wireless (like Apple AirPlay); and also features premium speakers, WiFi with both 2.4 and 5.0 GHz frequencies for greater connection, and a premium Windows style User Interface that makes the Android experience much more intuitive and user friendly — more details are available at Tablet Sprint — one of the first sites to carry this new model…