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Recommend a decent (but cheap) tablet?

  • 25-03-2013 11:33AM
    #1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,332 ✭✭✭


    Hi Folks,

    we're looking to pick up a cheap but decent enough tablet. We are travelling in a few weeks time, and just don't want the hassle of bringing the laptop, although we will need to be able to browse the web, and possibly watch a video or two. But primarily it will be for web browsing and emailing.

    We want to spend as little as possible (as this will only be used occasionally when we go away, and I don't want to be bringing anything of a high value with us just in case it gets damaged/stolen/lost). So budget is no more than €100.
    And we are travelling in 2 weeks, so nothing that takes ages to arrive if possible.

    thanks!


«1

Comments

  • Moderators, Arts Moderators Posts: 36,184 Mod ✭✭✭✭pickarooney


    Have a good think about how much you really want to spend. Chances are you say it's only for occasional use but you're most likely going to want to use it all the time once you get used to it.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,332 ✭✭✭tatli_lokma


    I really don't want to spend more than that, as this particular tablet will only be used when travelling. From past experience, I don't want to have something of a high value with us on such occasions.

    This is literally just for travelling so that we can maintain contact without having to pay a fortune on our phones (we travel outside of the EU a lot). Mainly it will be used just for killing time.


  • Moderators, Arts Moderators Posts: 36,184 Mod ✭✭✭✭pickarooney


    Memup SlidePad 704CE

    Arnova 7i G3

    Two for under a hundred euros.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,332 ✭✭✭tatli_lokma


    thanks pickarooney

    of the two, which would you go for?
    and do you know any shops that are selling them in Ireland for the same price, or is it only online you can get them?

    ETA - I notice that the arnova one doesn't officially support google play. Is this a problem? will I need to install something to get around this? Not very techie minded :(

    cheers


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,332 ✭✭✭tatli_lokma


    so of the 3 available at powercity which would you recommend?
    SCROLL 7 ANDROID TABLET
    ARNOVA 7 ANDROID 4 INTERNET TABLET
    or
    GEMINI JOYTAB DUO 7 INTERNET TAB


    and any good (and by good, of course I mean cheap) links to cases?


  • Posts: 8,874 ✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    I would recommend spending a little more and getting this. Shipped from the Uk so you will easily have it in less than 2 weeks.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 4,692 ✭✭✭Jarren


    Which is strange because the seller is based in China

    http://feedback.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewFeedback2&ftab=AllFeedback&userid=betty-mall&iid=-1&de=off&items=25&interval=0&mPg=5&page=5

    Notice
    Please pay attention that import duties, taxes and charges are not included in the item price or shipping charges. These charges are the buyer's responsibility. Check with your country's customs office to determine what these additional costs will be prior to bidding/buying, Thank you.


  • Posts: 8,874 ✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    Jarren wrote: »
    Which is strange because the seller is based in China

    http://feedback.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewFeedback2&ftab=AllFeedback&userid=betty-mall&iid=-1&de=off&items=25&interval=0&mPg=5&page=5

    Notice
    Please pay attention that import duties, taxes and charges are not included in the item price or shipping charges. These charges are the buyer's responsibility. Check with your country's customs office to determine what these additional costs will be prior to bidding/buying, Thank you.

    Quite possible. There are lots of other sellers in the UK that have it at a similar price, I just picked out the first one as an example.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 52 ✭✭dazzler454


    I picked up a Alcatel 'Synergescent' which is basically a low brand iPad. Does all the same tricks and tosses yet only set me back €145. Too good to be true? That's what you're thinking but honestly, I kid you not, it's outstanding. Outstanding Retina display, outstanding menu setup, outstanding camera(front and back) and of course outstanding 'handiness' for want of a better word. The specifics you say? You want the specifics? Well here they are Device type:
    Tablet
    OS:
    Android (4.2.2, 4.2.1, 4.2, 4.1.2, 4.1.1, 4.1)
    Dimensions:
    7.81 x 4.72 x 0.41 inches (198.5 x 120 x 10.45 mm)
    Weight:
    11.99 oz (340 g)
    the average is 16.8 oz (479 g)
    DISPLAY
    Physical size:
    7.0 inches
    Resolution:
    1280 x 800 pixels
    Pixel density:
    216 ppi
    Technology:
    IPS LCD
    Colors:
    16 777 216
    Touchscreen:
    Capacitive, Multi-touch
    Features:
    Light sensor, Proximity sensor, Scratch-resistant glass
    BATTERY
    Stand-by time:
    12.5 days (300 hours)
    the average is 13 days (320 h)
    Capacity:
    4325 mAh
    HARDWARE
    System chip:
    NVIDIA Tegra 3 T30L
    Processor:
    Quad core, 1200 MHz, ARM Cortex-A9
    Graphics processor:
    ULP GeForce @ 416MHz
    System memory:
    1024 MB RAM
    Built-in storage:
    8 GB
    CAMERA
    Camcorder:
    Features:
    Video calling
    Front-facing camera:
    Yes
    MULTIMEDIA
    Music player:
    Filter by:
    Album, Artist, Playlists
    Features:
    Album art cover, Background playback
    YouTube player:
    Yes
    INTERNET BROWSING
    Browser:

    Chrome
    Built-in online services support:
    YouTube (upload), Picasa
    TECHNOLOGY
    Positioning:
    GPS


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  • Posts: 8,874 ✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    You can do even better price wise than that.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 52 ✭✭dazzler454


    Aristotle wrote: »
    You can do even better price wise than that.
    Go on?


  • Posts: 8,874 ✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    dazzler454 wrote: »
    Go on?

    With what? I just linked to a similar spec'd tablet to yours for cheaper to help the OP.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 52 ✭✭dazzler454


    Listen mate I didn't see the link there. Not trying to compete with you just trying to help the lad out. Not everything's a competition ok?


  • Posts: 8,874 ✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    dazzler454 wrote: »
    Listen mate I didn't see the link there. Not trying to compete with you just trying to help the lad out. Not everything's a competition ok?

    I'm fully aware. I replied because you told me to go on. Don't try to blame me for your mistake, keep your pants on.

    Anyways, OP I would recommend getting an Ainol branded tablet that is sourced from the UK, or to get one from China shipped via DHL since you need it soon. Have a look at Aliexpress, Focalprice etc.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 522 ✭✭✭gbob


    Or if you want decent specs with gaming controls for €135.

    http://www.pixmania.ie/ie/uk/12959364/art/archos/gamepad.html


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,332 ✭✭✭tatli_lokma



    Anyways, OP I would recommend getting an Ainol branded tablet that is sourced from the UK, or to get one from China shipped via DHL since you need it soon. Have a look at Aliexpress, Focalprice etc.

    Does the website you linked to sourced in the UK? I'm not familiar with the website, so sorry if that is a thick question!

    And if I can't get the one you linked to, are any of the ones under €100 in powercity any good?

    ARNOVA 7 ANDROID 4 INTERNET TABLET
    or
    GEMINI JOYTAB DUO 7 INTERNET TAB

    anybody????


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,332 ✭✭✭tatli_lokma


    Just noticed that even with DHL the Ainol tab takes 4-5 working days. Which with Good Friday and Easter Monday means I need to order it today to have a chance of delivery before the 6th - and even then I feel a bit nervous it won't arrive.

    Anyone have experience of this website and how reliable their shipping is?
    Might be better to just go with a powercity one that I can buy instore?

    Advice? Aristotle, what do you reckon?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 221 ✭✭Ravenid


    I have the Scroll II 7" and to be honest I'm not happy with it....except for work apps they work fine, everything else is meh.

    Some apps are slow to load and crash frequently, the Wi-Fi isn't great. (Weirdly the only real reason I bought it was for work. That app never fails and net works fine for that...damn tablet making me do the job I'm paid for and not Angry Birds :( )

    If you had the time I'd say consider this:
    http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=TB-007-OT&emcs0=2&emcs1=Produktdetailseite&emcs2=TB-003-OT&emcs3=TB-007-OT

    It was the Tablet I was gonna buy but it was out of stock when I went to purchase and I needed the tablet fairly quickly.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 510 ✭✭✭strongback


    Spend €250 on a Nexus 7. Infinitely better than the options around €100 when it comes to value for money. It's just that good.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,332 ✭✭✭tatli_lokma


    As I said in my OP, I don't want to spend more than €100 as this tablet will only be used when travelling. I have had an expensive laptop damaged and a phone stolen both in the course of travelling and it was a heartbreak trying to get the insurance to cough up. At least with a cheaper version I will be less worried about something happening to it.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,481 ✭✭✭irishpancake


    Little Ted wrote: »
    As I said in my OP, I don't want to spend more than €100 as this tablet will only be used when travelling. I have had an expensive laptop damaged and a phone stolen both in the course of travelling and it was a heartbreak trying to get the insurance to cough up. At least with a cheaper version I will be less worried about something happening to it.

    If you want a reasonable Tablet for that kinda money, it will have to be Chinese, but it may take longer for delivery than you have...:(

    So, try Amazon, or other UK stores, for one, you may pay a little more, but there is no prob with Customs, and it will usually arrive on time.

    I have an earlier version of this Chinese Ployer, the Momo Bird, 1GB Ram, just single-core, but it is a great Tab, custom ROM on it, etc, no probs with WiFi, no Chinese apps, great IPS screen and big battery, and enough Internal storage not to need to worry, but can be expanded with external SD.

    This is a dual core device, so much better, IMO.

    Also, you can usually connect other devices, via host mode, for HD video, etc. and Mobile Data Dongles, which iPad can't do out of the box.

    http://www.amazon.co.uk/Ployer-Momo8-IPS-Tablet-Pre-Installed/dp/B0096DKGJW/ref=sr_1_1?s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1364320109&sr=1-1

    Good customer reviews for the seller.

    I think Amazon will deliver free to Ireland too....It's around €117...

    BTW, Aristotle's advice was and is very good and sound!!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 407 ✭✭Blinked_Missed It


    Hope I don't get flamed for this but maybe you could pick up a Blackberry Playbook on adverts.ie for €100. I did. 64gb with possibility to output movies etc to an external tv. Android apps can be sideloaded on it with the latest firmware (no chance of bricking things). Extremely good build quality with a rubberised back and the front facing stereo speakers are fantastic so should be good for traveling.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 13,746 ✭✭✭✭Misticles


    I'm looking for an 8inch tablet. Budget of around 200 pounds.

    I was looking at the archos platinum 80 - anybody any experience with these?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,206 ✭✭✭✭amiable




  • Posts: 8,874 ✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    Yes, but if you are spending that much money you should get a Nexus 7.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,609 ✭✭✭cgarrad


    http://www.argos.ie/static/Product/partNumber/8141318/Trail/searchtext%3EACER.htm

    Bought one of these as a present recently, surprised how good it was.

    Big name manufacturer as well

    http://www.checkargos.com/StockCheckPage.php?productId=814%2F1318


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,206 ✭✭✭✭amiable


    cgarrad wrote: »
    http://www.argos.ie/static/Product/partNumber/8141318/Trail/searchtext%3EACER.htm

    Bought one of these as a present recently, surprised how good it was.

    Big name manufacturer as well

    http://www.checkargos.com/StockCheckPage.php?productId=814%2F1318

    I've been looking at this myself too as a start off tablet.
    I'm presently using a HTC One X Android phone which is quite good so I'm worried I'll be disappointed with the tablet.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,609 ✭✭✭cgarrad


    amiable wrote: »
    I'm presently using a HTC One X Android phone which is quite good so I'm worried I'll be disappointed with the tablet.

    I have a Galaxy Nexus and a Note 10.1 and it was not much different on overall experience, def slowed but not the multiple times the price difference suggests.

    Resolution is the only problem but still not that bad when actually using it.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,206 ✭✭✭✭amiable


    cgarrad wrote: »
    I have a Galaxy Nexus and a Note 10.1 and it was not much different on overall experience, def slowed but not the multiple times the price difference suggests.

    Resolution is the only problem but still not that bad when actually using it.

    I think I'll get one so. It will be mostly for the kids when we go on holidays in a few weeks time :)


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