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| Thread ID: 138496 | 2014-12-09 16:26:00 | Help with tablet decision | argus (366) | Press F1 |
| Post ID | Timestamp | Content | User | ||
| 1389801 | 2014-12-09 16:26:00 | After a troublesome experience with a Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1, a friend is in search of a tablet that will allow her two children to play Minecraft and other games, but will have the ability to easily attach a physical keyboard, so she can conveniently do basic email, web-surfing and document generation and printing, on a bigger screen than a phone. Yes, looking to use a tablet as a cheap laptop is not the best answer; in my friend's position, I'd incline towards an ultra-cheap tablet and a low-cost laptop as separate machines; but since the kids previously had a high-end tablet, that would look a bit mean :) Available budget is $800 - the price of the failed Galaxy. We've been looking both at Android and Windows 8.1 machines. The Asus TF700 appealed, but the only retailer that had it at all said "only one left - it's the one we used for demos and it's out in a back room", which rather put my friend off. So, looking for a tablet that has enough power to justify an $800 price tag, with a physical keyboard that won't feel too cramped to an adult touch-typist used to a full-size laptop or desktop. Preferably as a package-deal (hooking together a tablet from one supplier and a keyboard from another doesn't appeal, from a warranty/finger pointing standpoint, given previous experience). And, of course, from a reputable supplier who can be easily called to account if the thing fails. Minecraft is a must. I'm an absolute novice at the game; downloaded a trial version and played it on my own Windows 8.1 laptop. There seem to me to be no problems, but I'm playing with mouse and keyboard, not touch-screen, which the kids are used to. I read in some fora and hear in personal conversation that Minecraft on Windows 8.1 has problems and/or presents a materially different user interface from the Android version. What's the truth of that? She has a Canon Pixma ip100 printer and wants to use that if possible. So: Windows 8 or Android? Docking/Bluetooth keyboard as a package deal (my personal preference would be for a dock) or just plug in a full-size keyboard to a USB socket of some kind which surely the tablet will have? Advice, please. |
argus (366) | ||
| 1389802 | 2014-12-09 17:49:00 | What about an iPad? I watched a guy type out a lengthy document on an apple keyboard that must have been linked to his iPad by Bluetooth at the table next to us in a coffee shop in Syliva park at the weekend. My nephew also enjoys playing Minecraft on his iPad. |
Webdevguy (17166) | ||
| 1389803 | 2014-12-09 18:29:00 | What were the problems with the galaxy? wouldn't want to recommend something that will end up being the same. Pretty much any android or windows or apple tablet can have a bluetooth keyboard paired to it so a dedicated keyboard dock is not the only option there. |
dugimodo (138) | ||
| 1389804 | 2014-12-09 18:54:00 | Basically the problem was charging. When it ran flat (or low enough to get the indicating beep) it simply wouldn't recharge and eventually, of course, ceased to function (try telling kids enthralled with a game not to let that happen!) Initially it would respond to an all-night charge, but then stopped doing even that. I've read all kinds of cause analysis and possible remedies, but my friend (perhaps illogically but understandably) wouldn't consider another Samsung tablet. | argus (366) | ||
| 1389805 | 2014-12-09 19:40:00 | iPad occurred to me as a potential solution (another friend, staying with us for a few days, coincidentally has a keyboard with hers) but there is the matter of the printer; not supported, apparently. Clearly not the only one to have struck that problem. discussions.apple.com | argus (366) | ||
| 1389806 | 2014-12-09 21:48:00 | iPad occurred to me as a potential solution (another friend, staying with us for a few days, coincidentally has a keyboard with hers) but there is the matter of the printer; not supported, apparently. Clearly not the only one to have struck that problem. discussions.apple.com Which model of printer do you guys have? As to the device running out while being used for gaming .. Just get your kids to plug it in when it runs low. My brother in law has the same problem with my nephew playing Minecraft on his iPad and then complaining when the battery dies. He just gets him to plug the device in before it runs out. My nephew is 5. If they don't plug it in and it runs out they can't play minecraft and if they throw a tantrum as a result tell them to go to their bedroom for some quiet time or do the old fashioned past time of reading a book or do some drawings with coloured pencils. :thumbs: |
Webdevguy (17166) | ||
| 1389807 | 2014-12-09 22:18:00 | No the problem was not just with remembering to plug it in; it was faulty & Samsung has admitted that. But the Samsung experience is in the past; taken back & refunded. We're looking forward :) | argus (366) | ||
| 1389808 | 2014-12-09 22:27:00 | No the problem was not just with remembering to plug it in; it was faulty & Samsung has admitted that. But the Samsung experience is in the past; taken back & refunded. We're looking forward :) Good to hear. So which device do you think you will try next? |
Webdevguy (17166) | ||
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