Travelling: Tablets vs laptops

[seeker630]

Does anyone here have experiences to share about tablet computers - especially while traveling? I was about to buy a netbook, but I started looking at tablets (lower-end). But I'm not sure how versatile they are for web browsing in particular. (And I wasn't about to try pulling up Rentboy in the middle of Best Buy!)

 

Thanks in advance!

[bluboy]

Happy with ipad2 for travelling and i travel weeks at a time. Left laptop at home....

[Scorpio]

Happy with the iPad for traveling. The only downside is that who can't view Flash based material and certain Frame based web pages can be difficult to scroll thru. But it works with Rentboy, M4RN; doesn't work as well with Rent men. Some problems viewing reviews on daddy's because you can't scroll through a list. Also, some problems posting on the Message Forum because of a scrolling problem in the reply box.

[+ azdr0710]

I've also been thinking about this....I only want something to check email, news, weather, other sites (and Daddy's).....don't need a phone with it....will, no doubt, need some apps, which I have not ever had before!.....don't think I need a laptop and I won't be writing reports, spreadsheets, heavy stuff, or gaming........

 

so would this IpodTouch be OK for me?......would be nice to have music with me, too........thanks...there's an Apple store in my town and I'll ask them questions, too

[gcursor]

an iPad2

 

A few months back, I was trying to decide whether to get a laptop or a tablet. I decided I wanted it to travel with me, be able to play games, and check my email. In the end, I was VERY VERY VERY happy with the choice of my iPad 2. I can update my TWITTER/FACEBOOK on the road, take pictures, and do all sorts of things I never thought about.

 

But the one thing you have to remember is that there is no FLASH web support. But there are other "porn" sites that are mobile compatible but it's still quite a small market.

 

hope that helps,

gcursor

 

Does anyone here have experiences to share about tablet computers - especially while traveling? I was about to buy a netbook, but I started looking at tablets (lower-end). But I'm not sure how versatile they are for web browsing in particular. (And I wasn't about to try pulling up Rentboy in the middle of Best Buy!)

 

Thanks in advance!

[seeker630]

There are some Android-based tablets that start at around 400 (WiFi only). I'm not ready to pay iPad prices or for a data plan. Anyone had any experience with anything OTHER than an iPad? (But thanks for ALL the comments thus far - I appreciate them!)

[fedssocr1]

There are some new netbooks out there as well. I just bought an Asus X101. It's a 10" netbook that weighs just 2 pounds and is extremely thin. Just $200. But the catch is that it runs the MeeGo OS. But if all you want to do is surf the web it seems like an OK choice. I just ordered it from Amazon so I haven't actually used it yet... But I thought it seemed like an interesting machine to try. I'll know more in a few days. It was just released so there aren't a lot of real world reviews out there yet, but there is one on Amazon that is fairly positive.

 

Asus also makes an Android tablet that has a dockable keyboard that effectively doubles the battery life and basically turns it into a netbook. It's a bit pricey though.

[seeker630]

There are some new netbooks out there as well. I just bought an Asus X101. It's a 10" netbook that weighs just 2 pounds and is extremely thin. Just $200. But the catch is that it runs the MeeGo OS. But if all you want to do is surf the web it seems like an OK choice. I just ordered it from Amazon so I haven't actually used it yet... But I thought it seemed like an interesting machine to try. I'll know more in a few days. It was just released so there aren't a lot of real world reviews out there yet, but there is one on Amazon that is fairly positive.

 

Asus also makes an Android tablet that has a dockable keyboard that effectively doubles the battery life and basically turns it into a netbook. It's a bit pricey though.

 

I guess I'm leaning toward a netbook now, although the tablets seem much cooler! I looked at the Asus tablet - 400, and another 150 if you get the dock/keyboard.

[+ azdr0710]

There are some Android-based tablets that start at around 400 (WiFi only). I'm not ready to pay iPad prices or for a data plan. Anyone had any experience with anything OTHER than an iPad? (But thanks for ALL the comments thus far - I appreciate them!)

 

Seeker....I'm not an expert at all, but when I went into the Apple store, the rep there told me that, with the Ipad2, you can use wi-fi if available and if none is, then you can pay $20 for 30 days of 3G with a credit card....it has a data limit and you can cancel before 30 days to avoid rebilling......does that help you avoid a data plan/contract?.....again, I'm not an expert

[Guy Fawkes]

I'm peddling!

 

Almost to the point where Tablets are viable.

 

The main problem is that many sites (mine including) are in the middle of upgrading to handle mobile technology. This is of particular interest to me because I'd prefer to use a table for production when I'm on the road.

 

Needless to say, the next version of Daddys Reviews will be a more friendly to our diminutive browser friends.

 

BTW: Rumor has it that the scroll bar problem with the iPad in the city listings, will be fixed in iOS 5. It's a "Touch Specific Feature" (read that as bug) in their browser.

[gcursor]

undocumented

 

we don't refer to them as bug...they are called undocumented productivity enhancement features

 

hehhehe

Gcursor

 

Almost to the point where Tablets are viable.

 

The main problem is that many sites (mine including) are in the middle of upgrading to handle mobile technology. This is of particular interest to me because I'd prefer to use a table for production when I'm on the road.

 

Needless to say, the next version of Daddys Reviews will be a more friendly to our diminutive browser friends.

 

BTW: Rumor has it that the scroll bar problem with the iPad in the city listings, will be fixed in iOS 5. It's a "Touch Specific Feature" (read that as bug) in their browser.

[Scorpio]

There are some Android-based tablets that start at around 400 (WiFi only). I'm not ready to pay iPad prices or for a data plan. Anyone had any experience with anything OTHER than an iPad? (But thanks for ALL the comments thus far - I appreciate them!)

 

A friend has the Samsung Galaxy and likes it

[Scorpio]

You can do all of that with the iPod Touch with the same limitations I mentioned for the iPad. But the screen is really small which has drawbacks in performing those functions.

 

I've also been thinking about this....I only want something to check email, news, weather, sites (and Daddy's).....don't need a phone with it....will, no doubt, need some apps, which I have not ever had before!.....don't think I need a laptop and I won't be writing reports, spreadsheets, heavy stuff, or gaming........

 

so would this IpodTouch be OK for me?......would be nice to have music with me, too........thanks...there's an Apple store in my town and I'll ask them questions, too

[tony]

I have traveled with only my iPad and regretted it, as the hotel I where I was staying was, according to the front desk, notorious for not having reliable wi-fi. I had to use their computer in the conference room.

Next trip I took both and was secure in knowing I could have internet and also read and watch movies on my iPad while flying, so I find it best to take both, if possible.

 

Sorry to be so ambivalent, but iPad/tablets just cannot replace a laptop completely. It has no USB and is simply limited in its use, but I have spoken with others who have ditched their laptops.

[inheat75]

I have a MacBook and an iPad. I write plenty of emails while travelling and I need a full keyboard for that. The keyboard on the iPad, although functional, feels kinda limited for me.

[josephga]

id go with a cheap laptop

[+ deej]

I still carry a full-feature laptop when traveling *IF* I need a full-function computer. (which is, frankly, every day)

 

iPod Touch is a GREAT way to dip your toe in the water without spending full boat on iPad or one of the Android tablets (which all end up costing the same). The down side is the small screen.

 

I used to carry iPod, Kindle, and laptop, and typically used all of them on a flight. Now all I use on a flight is the iPhone since it has the Kindle app and the iPod app and built-in email and even a Netflix streaming app if there's in-flight WiFi. (again, iPod touch would be a good intermediate step)

 

Whatever you do, now isn't a good time to buy. We're a month away from iPhone 5, so iPhone 4 will be available on the cheap. HP has abandoned its OS for mobiles. A LOT will change in the next few months.

 

If I had an iPad, I'd carry it and use it and love it. But I'd still be carrying the laptop, and I'm not sure I'd buy anything right now.

[EZEtoGRU]

What a great question Seeker. I am interested in the responses as well.....so thanks for asking. I currently only utilize a Laptop and an i-phone. I will be looking to replace my laptop within 6-9 months so I will follow the developments on i-pads closely. The lack of having Flash capability is a deal-breaker for me however. Some of the sites I access require this.

 

If the Flash issue is not fixed in 6 months or so (or sites change to be more compatible with mobile technology), I will likely replace my current laptop with a lighter and smaller new version. I'm tired of the weight of my current Dell.

[fedssocr1]

here's Liliputing's first look at the Asus X101

 

They have lots of news and reviews of ultraportable devices. I have been traveling with 13.3" notebooks for several years (Sony Vaio, Samsung X360, currently a lenovo X301) which have been OK. But I wanted even lighter.

[seeker630]

Seeker....I'm not an expert at all, but when I went into the Apple store, the rep there told me that, with the Ipad2, you can use wi-fi if available and if none is, then you can pay $20 for 30 days of 3G with a credit card....it has a data limit and you can cancel before 30 days to avoid rebilling......does that help you avoid a data plan/contract?.....again, I'm not an expert

 

azdr, you're right, I can buy an iPad without a data plan (tho if I want to keep that option open, I have to buy the 3G-capable version ($629). The WiFI-only starts at $499.

 

At this point, it don't have a real NEED, so I'm inclined to wait for prices to drop. I can get a 1.5 or 2 lb netbook with a real keyboard for $250, is that's probably my best bet.

[rvwnsd]

I brought my laptop and my Motorola Xoom (Android Tablet) on a recent trip and used the Xoom almost exclusively. Unlike an iPad, you can open more than one app at a time and it plays flash video. I hooked my Xoom up to the TV via the HDMI cable to watch movies. The Xoom is priced about the same as the iPad. A friend bought an Acer (I think) Android tablet at Target for around $300. Loves it.

[bobchitown]

I love my MacBook Air, and find it just slips into my carryon bag without a problem - quite a change from my old PC "brick". I don't have a tablet yet, but use my Android for reading and quick replies to emails. I find that when I go past a couple lines of trying to type I get very frustrated and switch over to the Mac. Others at work swear by their iPad and say they wouldn't go back.

[Guy Fawkes]

iPad does have USB... But not in an obvious way... Google "iPad Camera Connection Kit"

[tony]

iPad does have USB... But not in an obvious way... Google "iPad Camera Connection Kit"

 

Who knew? Thank YOU!!!

[Guest Tristan]

we don't refer to them as bug...they are called undocumented productivity enhancement features

 

hehhehe

Gcursor

 

To use other shorter euphenisms, you can think of software bugs as "new features" or "new functionality". I was once a tech writer of software manuals for a large computer company. The engineers would kiddingly use these terms when asked about the problems.