Which Tablet do you get?

[Chucaro]

Which tablet you get taken into consideration price, specs and quality.
The intended use is emails, internet, connection to a TV via HMDIm USB ports
Reading Ebooks, and GPS connected trough USB

Apple Ipad,
Motorola XOOM
Samsung Galaxi
Others

[incisor]

ipad if you want the real deal

samsung latest has now been stopped in it's tracks in Au so you will need to import

most of the others have woeful battery life..

[KarlB]

I have a Dropad A8X Android 2.2 Samsung S5PC110 Capacitive Touch Screen 7 Inch Tablet Support 3G HDMI Flash with Camera, and inbuilt GPS. I bought it from here : US$216.8--Dropad A8X Android 2.2 Samsung S5PC110 Capacitive Touch Screen 7 Inch Tablet Support 3G HDMI Flash with Camera - US$ 216.80 (http://www.danibos.com/dropad-a8x-android-22-samsung-s5pc110-capacitive-touch-screen-inch-tablet-support-3g-hdmi-flash-with-camera-p-1801.html?captcha=false). Very inexpensive (the quoted price is US Dollars so even less on Ozi Dollars). Coupled with a Telstra Elite Pre-Paid Mobile WiFi I have internet access just about any where while travelling (very few places don't have Next G coverage). The WiFi can support an external aerial though I don't have one (yet). The Dropad has about 8 hrs battery life. I think much better value than an iPad (it is about $200 delivered) with brilliant performance. Comes with a host of applications including Word and Excel. My mate bought his just for the GPS. He runs OziExplorer which cost him about $30 for a legit Android version.

Cheers
KarlB
:)

[incisor]

does it get anywhere near the 6 hours battery life?

[101RRS]

Does it have AV in for a rear camera??

[Chucaro]

HERE (http://www.dealextreme.com/p/dropad-7-capacitive-lcd-android-2-2-tablet-pc-w-wi-fi-gps-bluetooth-hdmi-8gb-tf-cortex-a8-71932) are the specs and is for sale for A$ 198.00
Impressive value.

[Chucaro]

does it get anywhere near the 6 hours battery life?

4100mAh, 6 hours of working time (http://www.nowsupplier.com/dropad-a8x-android-22-samsung-s5pc110-capacitive-touch-screen-inch-tablet-support-3g-hdmi-flash-with-camera-p-1801.html?currency=AUD)

[KarlB]

Does it have AV in for a rear camera??

No AV input but it does have BlueTooth and HDMI, both of which I suspect could be used to connect an appropriate camera.

[KarlB]

does it get anywhere near the 6 hours battery life?

I have not pushed it beyond a few hours. Of course it would depend on what you are doing. WiFi connections and GPS both chew up power. But certainly 6 hours without internet and GPS on, would be very achievable (eg reading ebooks, games, etc.) Recharges via micro USB. Earlier releases had a power issue as they would shut down when battery dropped to about 50%. That has been fixed with a firmware upgrade and the current ones ship with the upgrade installed (my mates did). There is currently a Beta version of the firmware available (released 28 Jul 20110) that takes the operation upto Android version 2.3 (currently 2.2) and the hackers are right pleased with the Beta version. I suspect it will be available very soon.

Cheers
KarlB

[incisor]

Recharges via micro USB. Earlier releases had a power issue as they would shut down when battery dropped to about 50%.

to try and stop the battery crystallising i imagine... lot of cameras do (did) the same.

son in law has one and he is always complaining about battery life.

[incisor]

4100mAh, 6 hours of working time (http://www.nowsupplier.com/dropad-a8x-android-22-samsung-s5pc110-capacitive-touch-screen-inch-tablet-support-3g-hdmi-flash-with-camera-p-1801.html?currency=AUD)
what they claim and what they do are vastly different depending on use.

[woody]

I got the wife and Acer Iconia running Android 3

GPS - running OziExplorer and SYGIC for turn by turn navigation (Tom Tom engine) no need to squint when using this in the car

HDMI, WIFI b/g/n, Bluetooth,

plays all sorts of downloaded movies (legally obtained :angel:of course)
reads ebooks

download software via the Market

about 3-4 hours battery when using the GPS

[SuperMono]

7inch Samsung Galaxy, getting plenty of battery life with GPS on in navigation mode. Looking to add bluetooth video from a reversing camera.

[Scallops]

Of course, one might ask the question, would any of these other choices (non iPad) even exist had it not been for the Apple product? One company goes out and designs and brings a polished product to fruition - others then try to emulate it. To me, it's kind of like settling for a Land Cruiser. As said above, if you want the real deal - get an iPad.

Here is a review of the best 5 available....

http://reviews.cnet.com/best-tablets/

For mine, iPads are not expensive for what you get.....

A 16 Gig WIFI, Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR technology iPad
= $579.00.

Full specs...

Apple - iPad - View the technical specifications for iPad. (http://www.apple.com/au/ipad/specs/)

[Xtreme]

I drive a Defender so I bought a Panasonic Toughbook so I can hose it off when I get mud on the keyboard. Its also got a 320Gb 'load' capacity, a bit more than than the little 'doof doof' machines with a max of about 64Gb.

I must admit though, I did look at the ipads etc recently ............ but decided to stay with the 'defender'. :D:D:D

[MickS]

Of course, one might ask the question, would any of these other choices (non iPad) even exist had it not been for the Apple product? One company goes out and designs and brings a polished product to fruition - others then try to emulate it. To me, it's kind of like settling for a Land Cruiser. As said above, if you want the real deal - get an iPad.


One ring to rule them all ay ? :Rolling: Based on that logic, we'd all be lugging an Epson around for our laptops ....

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/08/1199.jpg

[Scallops]

One ring to rule them all ay ? :Rolling: Based on that logic, we'd all be lugging an Epson around for our laptops ....

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/08/1199.jpg

Except the iPad isn't the dinosaur here - the competitors are! http://tablet-computer.pikimal.com/ That's the "try to emulate it" bit. ;)

[Scallops]

I drive a Defender so I bought a Panasonic Toughbook so I can hose it off when I get mud on the keyboard. Its also got a 320Gb 'load' capacity, a bit more than than the little 'doof doof' machines with a max of about 64Gb.

I must admit though, I did look at the ipads etc recently ............ but decided to stay with the 'defender'. :D:D:D

Do you need 320Gb on a tablet? I'd prefer to have other features... http://tablet-computer.pikimal.com/panasonic-toughbook-c1/vs/apple-ipad-2 - there again, I don't use my 1000kg payload either so I guess a Cruiser would have done. :D

[d@rk51d3]

I drive a Defender so I bought a Panasonic Toughbook so I can hose it off when I get mud on the keyboard. Its also got a 320Gb 'load' capacity, a bit more than than the little 'doof doof' machines with a max of about 64Gb.

I must admit though, I did look at the ipads etc recently ............ but decided to stay with the 'defender'. :D:D:D

Which model toughbook?

I'm leaning towards a cf-18, or maybe a cf-19 if I can stretch the budget.

[Chucaro]

The Apple can read tiff files which it is important for me.
Just wonder if it is good idea to bring it for USA ?

[KarlB]

Of course, one might ask the question, would any of these other choices (non iPad) even exist had it not been for the Apple product? One company goes out and designs and brings a polished product to fruition - others then try to emulate it. To me, it's kind of like settling for a Land Cruiser. As said above, if you want the real deal - get an iPad.

iPads are excellent tablets and if I was in the market for one in the size they come in I would get one. However, the Dropad A8X that I have is half the size of an iPad (think of folding an A4 size sheet of paper in half). An iPad is just too big (IMHO) to mount from the windscreen to use as a GPS. The Dropad A8X will fit in a coat pocket. Wireless internet connectivity with the 3G iPad is fine in the city (and along major highways) but not up to the job in the more remote and country areas that I like to tour in so would still need a Telstra NextG connection of some sort.

Cheers
KarlB
:)

[101RRS]

Of course, one might ask the question, would any of these other choices (non iPad) even exist had it not been for the Apple product?

They were around long before the Ipad - I remember a HP rep trying to sell my organisation something similar back in 2000. Now the normal PC at the time was only a Pentium II so features not as much as the much later Ipad but for the time very advanced.

Apple is not a technology leader as such but is exceptionally good at finding good technology and incorporating it - often stealing technology from smaller innovative companies and when getting caught out often settling out of court or just buying the company.

Garry

[Scallops]

iPads are excellent tablets and if I was in the market for one in the size they come in I would get one. However, the Dropad A8X that I have is half the size of an iPad (think of folding an A4 size sheet of paper in half). An iPad is just too big (IMHO) to mount from the windscreen to use as a GPS. The Dropad A8X will fit in a coat pocket. Wireless internet connectivity with the 3G iPad is fine in the city (and along major highways) but not up to the job in the more remote and country areas that I like to tour in so would still need a Telstra NextG connection of some sort.

Cheers
KarlB
:)

Respect that, Karl - the screen might be too big for your needs. Just one question from what you write - are you suggesting Telstra NextG connection is not available for iPad?

[Scallops]

They were around long before the Ipad - I remember a HP rep trying to sell my organisation something similar back in 2000. Now the normal PC at the time was only a Pentium II so features not as much as the much later Ipad but for the time very advanced.

Apple is not a technology leader as such but is exceptionally good at finding good technology and incorporating it - often stealing technology from smaller innovative companies and when getting caught out often settling out of court or just buying the company.

Garry

I am aware that tablets have been around for yonks! But a tablet isn't something wanted by the market just because of it's shape and size. Tablet units became useable and wanted when Apple made something useable and wanted....:)

[Xtreme]

Which model toughbook?

I'm leaning towards a cf-18, or maybe a cf-19 if I can stretch the budget.

CF-18KHHQXBA
Lots of refurbished units on ebay ATM - can pick up a CF-18 for around $500 but be careful as numerous slight differences in configurations. See my comparison spreadsheet attached - a little dated now but still gives an idea of differences/model comparisons. Also attached is file for decoding model numbers.

And yes Schallops I did want the 320Gb as I image my home docs and store photos when travelling and also wanted to run same software so I wasn't restricted in any way.

[Scallops]

Respect that too Xtreme - seems you use a tablet rather than and in place of a laptop.

PS - didn't get to meet Con but left my brother with his details as he likes old Rovers too. :)

[KarlB]

Respect that, Karl - the screen might be to big for your needs. Just one question from what you write - are you suggesting Telstra NextG connection is not available for iPad?

I am not an expert on iPads and I may be wrong but it was my understanding that the 3G iPad has an inbuilt 3G capability for connection to the internet (ie essentially a 3G telephone type connection: the same as you can do with your 3G mobile phone). And like 3G mobile phones, not too good in the bush. All iPads can certainly use any WiFi connection be it in a Maccas or other restaurant or what ever, or from a mobile WiFi device such as the 3G ones from Optus and loads of other providers (but the equivalent of these are already built into the 3G iPads), and importantly from Telstra NextG mobile WiFi devices.

KarlB
:)

[Scallops]

I am not an expert on iPads and I may be wrong but it was my understanding that the 3G iPad has an inbuilt 3G capability for connection to the internet (ie essentially a 3G telephone type connection: the same as you can do with your 3G mobile phone). And like 3G mobile phones, not too good in the bush. All iPads can certainly use any WiFi connection be it in a Maccas or other restaurant or what ever, or from a mobile WiFi device such as the 3G ones from Optus and loads of other providers (but the equivalent of these are already built into the 3G iPads), and importantly from Telstra NextG mobile WiFi devices.

KarlB
:)

Still not quite certain what you are asking, but you can certainly run an iPad with Telstra NextG connection so coverage is not an issue.

http://www.telstra.com.au/bigpond-internet/mobile-broadband/micro-sim-for-apple-ipad/'red=/latest_offers/ipad/

[drifter]

I have a 32Gb iPad with 3G & Wifi

The WiFi drops out a lot and requires resetting. I have downloaded the latest patches for the device. Didn't fix it.

I have a large book collection on it and a couple of entertainment packages and MudMaps cos OziExplorer isn't ported...

but I still think it's little more than an overpriced toy.

[Scallops]

I have a 32Gb iPad with 3G & Wifi

The WiFi drops out a lot and requires resetting. I have downloaded the latest patches for the device. Didn't fix it.

I have a large book collection on it and a couple of entertainment packages and MudMaps cos OziExplorer isn't ported...

but I still think it's little more than an overpriced toy.

That would drive me nuts - maybe try following this....

iPad: Issues connecting to Wi-Fi networks (http://support.apple.com/kb/TS3304)

[KarlB]

Still not quite certain what you are asking, but you can certainly run an iPad with Telstra NextG connection so coverage is not an issue.

Telstra Pre-Paid micro-SIM for Apple iPad (http://www.telstra.com.au/bigpond-internet/mobile-broadband/micro-sim-for-apple-ipad/'red=/latest_offers/ipad/)

OK, I wasn't aware of the micro sim availability. I am a technical Luddite!

[drifter]

That would drive me nuts - maybe try following this....

iPad: Issues connecting to Wi-Fi networks (http://support.apple.com/kb/TS3304)

Yeah, I went down that path.

Bottom line appears to be an incompatibility with the wifi router which is odd, considering the other 6 devices (non-apple) using it don't have a problem.

[Xtreme]

............................ Tablet units became useable and wanted when Apple made something useable and wanted....:)

And then marketed them very well.

[Chucaro]

So far looks to me that the Dropad A8X Android 2.2 for $198.00 is the best value and have good specs.

The Ipad looks nice but for that money perhaps a 10" small laptop with good specs will be a better option and will fit in my camera bag very well.

[OffTrack]

One ring to rule them all ay ? :Rolling: Based on that logic, we'd all be lugging an Epson around for our laptops ....

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2011/08/1199.jpg


Or possibly Newton's ;)

Apple Newton - All-TIME 100 Gadgets - TIME (http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,2023689_2025276_2025278,00.html)

[incisor]

perhaps a 10" small laptop with good specs will be a better option and will fit in my camera bag very well.
that is where i would be headed

i use a 13" acer with magnesium body.. light strong and small..

cant get them now unfortunetly but mine is nearing EOF so am starting to look around for a replacement and there isnt much out there theses days with that sort of spec / size combo

[Chucaro]

that is where i would be headed

i use a 13" acer with magnesium body.. light strong and small..

cant get them now unfortunetly but mine is nearing EOF so am starting to look around for a replacement and there isnt much out there theses days with that sort of spec / size combo

What you know about the HP Pavilion dm1z (http://www.notebookreview.com/default.asp?newsID=6018&review=hp+pavilion+dm1)?
The graphics specs looks good for review photos in the field and the price it is not bad.

[incisor]

What you know about the HP Pavilion dm1z (http://www.notebookreview.com/default.asp?newsID=6018&review=hp+pavilion+dm1)?
The graphics specs looks good for review photos in the field and the price it is not bad.
nothing personally.

it's amd so anticipated life would concern me

pcworld's top 10 list here (http://www.pcworld.com/reviews/collection/1660/top_10_ultraportable_laptops.html)

[Chucaro]

On the subject of Tablets, one hour ago this happens:
Samsung, Apple clash over tablet computer (http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-08-03/samsung-apple-clash-over-tablet-computer/2823078)

Just wonder how close it is the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 to the IPad?

[incisor]

abc rehashing an old story.. it happened a day or so ago i thought.

and for the android lovers

Lookout Report: Android Malware Has Increased Significantly Over Past 6 Months | TechCrunch (http://techcrunch.com/2011/08/02/lookout-report-mobile-threat-activity-has-increased-significantly-over-past-6-months/)

[George130]

I have an Acer Iconnia with 64gb running android 3.

[willem]

I bought a Motorola Xoom running Android 3.1 'Honeycomb' and I am happy with it. Motorola have said they will be providing upgrades to Android 4 'Ice Cream Sandwich' early next year.

What I want to know is can I use the EAS Unlock software on an an Android tablet?

Willem