Trying to decide on a tablet PC

BigStupidGuy

Hi I am trying to decide what tablet would be best to get for my needs...

I want to be able to plug in a USB keyboard for typing.
Be able to open up various word documents from a USB flash disc and edit them easily.
Have WiFi access.

Basically I'm looking for an iPad which is more like a PC in terms of managing files. Any suggestions?

cookie1977

Why not consider a netbook?

partyatmygaff

You could always get an Android tablet and then install Ubuntu on it? Not the best of solutions but Windows based tablets are going to be bulky to the point of being less practical than a netbook.

Failing that you can wait for a Windows 8 ARM based tablet which will have the best of both worlds with regard to functionality and battery life / form.

But if you're really adamant on getting a tablet there are always Windows 7 tablets. They're not great though.

BigStupidGuy

Hmm... a netbook is basically just a small PC. I already have a laptop so I'd rather something like a tablet instead. Touchscreen and portability etc.. I just want to be a able to open and edit word docs is all really, and have WiFi.

cookie1977

I think though as you want to plug in a use keyboard you should consider a netbook (9inchs to 10 inches). You can edit word docs on it.

Failing that I think you should consider the Blackberry playbook. It has a usb port and will come with a portable keyboard very soon:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQU7hrZf82Y

Prices of it should drop soon also.

But if I were you based on your requirements I'd still plum for a netbook over a tablet

mickoneill30

I'm suprised nobody has mentioned an Android tablet with Android on it.

You can use a keyboard & mouse on them with bluetooth.

http://www.gkspk.com/view/gadgets/motorola-xoom-keyboard-and-mouse/

then open Office docs using something like

http://www.talkandroid.com/35016-quickoffice-pro-hd-available-for-honeycomb-xoom-owners-rejoice-video-demo/

I have Quickoffice HD and it's fine on the tablet for making the odd edit using the onscreen keyboard. If I was typing a lot I'd want the bluetooth keyboard.

Some tablets have USB ports and some have SD card slots. I use neither for mine as I store documents on my local PC and just copy them across the LAN using WiFi when I want them on the tablet. I also use Dropbox to store my documents on the web.

A couple of points about this.

It's not the cheapest solution. Like the guys have said above a netbook would be cheaper (unless you buy a cheapo Android tablet).

It's not the best solution. If you want a tablet for media and just want to edit the odd document this might be worthwhile. If you want a tablet to do nothing else but edit Office documents I'm not sure I'd get a tablet at all.

Trevor451

Wait until windows 8

mickoneill30

Trevor451 wrote: »

Wait until windows 8

What's the release date for Windows 8?

unkel

mickoneill30 wrote: »

What's the release date for Windows 8?

Last week

kirving

unkel wrote: »

Last week

Kind of! A develper preview was released last week(which I'm waiting to put on my PC), but for any decent tablets with Windows 8 pre-installed, you'll be waiting at least 6 months I think.

redbull1985

choosing a tablet depends on your spend amount.

for less than 200 i got the superpad 2 flytouch 3 , aint a high end one but im happy with it runs android 2.2 its a 10.1 inch screen plays all formats and ok at scrolling the net wifi etc. games too. the way i see it it will never replace my laptop so why spend a fortune on it. retail shopping is limited so best shop online you'd be surprised with the completion . mine has a fully supported user forum for questions upgrades tips etc.
site i bought it off came with free delivery also chinagrabber.com

BigStupidGuy

Are there any tablets which you can plug a keyboard into and run word on?

redbull1985

funny you ask. the one i just mentioned can run external keyboard . has two usbs.
http://chinagrabber.com/flytouch2-superpad-keyboard-guard-leather-case---kc-648.aspx
i got this case which functions as a keyboard as you can see. its a pain using your finger to scroll all the time tablets heat up .
i can use my wireless mouse aswell so can basically turn it into a netbook.
im sure you can find word related apps to install on most tablets.

marco_polo

BigStupidGuy wrote: »

Are there any tablets which you can plug a keyboard into and run word on?

There are a few hybrids around like the two below but they are friggin expensive.

http://www.saveonlaptops.co.uk/ASUS_Eee_PC_T101MT-BLK097M_1066427.html

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Dell-Inspiron-Touchscreen-Netbook-Windows/dp/B004VRONS8/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1316707239&sr=8-7