topic Re: Phone vs tablet vs computer: what do you use them for? in Discussions & Feedback

Phone vs tablet vs computer: what do you use them for?

EmilieT — Wed, 23 Jan 2019 10:03:40 GMT

Hi everyone,

Smartphones offer so many functionalities these days that it'd be easy to use them for pretty much everything and leave other screens behind. That being said, most of us still have and also use a tablet, computer, or laptop.

I like using my phone for everyday convenience, my kindle for reading needs, a tablet mostly for games or browsing news on the couch, and my laptop for work, watching Netflix, and playing video games.

However when I travel I am happy to only use my phone for all of those activities!

Which devices do you guys use? Do you prefer using one type of screen and device over the other for some things, and why?

Let us know in the comments!

Re: Phone vs tablet vs computer: what do you use them for?

gmarkj — Wed, 23 Jan 2019 10:29:17 GMT

Phone is daily use - calls, texts, some browsing, reading, watching videos (YouTube to movies).
Tablet is reading and watching (downloaded or streaming).
Computer (laptop) - work (boo!) and stuff that needs a keyboard/track pad. My daughter uses it for her homework and some studying (there are 4 websites that are promoted through school that help with English and Maths).

Re: Phone vs tablet vs computer: what do you use them for?

Cleoriff — Wed, 23 Jan 2019 10:57:51 GMT

@EmilieT

My laptop is my lifeline. I prefer to use it (as opposed to my phone).

I do have a tablet, though it's one with a keyboard. I like to do everything using a mouse. (Probably a generational thing for me)

My phone is totally underused. It's a Note 8 and know I don't use it to it's full capacity. I don't care though...if I sell it, it will be classed as good as new

I don't play games on my phone, tablet, or PC.

I do have a Kindle, again, I don't use that. I prefer 'proper' books.

Nothing like the look, smell and the feel of a brand new book...

Reading all this back, I guess I'm a bit of a dinosaur.

Re: Phone vs tablet vs computer: what do you use them for?

viridis — Wed, 23 Jan 2019 11:57:15 GMT

Right, well to start with, my phone's are split into usage groups as so:

Xz2 premium is used during the day at work with notifications from xz3 being sent to the Gear S2, the xz3 is used in evenings and weekends. I have a rooted Galaxy S6 I use purely for Pokémon go (dirty spoofer)and other phones are used for some testing and other stuff.

The iPad is used for on the go photo and video editing, as well as used as a controller screen for the phantom drone, I also use it for music in some cases, as the speakers are pretty mint.

The xa1 plus is used as a controller screen for the Mavic drone, others being too big, this one is pretty perfect for this use.

The pc is used for heavy editing of photos and videos with 3d rendering also being done on this, those review intros I do, all rendered on the pc. I also use the pc for gaming.

The pc also runs MacOS high Sierra under a ryzentosh build for use of Mac exclusive applications and features, whilst I'd never use it for gaming on this os, there are some things that are exclusive and I refuse to shell out £1500 for another, weaker machine, or £5995 on a matching spec Mac Pro.

Re: Phone vs tablet vs computer: what do you use them for?

Cleoriff — Wed, 23 Jan 2019 12:14:24 GMT

@viridis wrote:
Right, well to start with, my phone's are split into usage groups as so:
Xz2 premium is used during the day at work with notifications from xz3 being sent to the Gear S2, the xz3 is used in evenings and weekends. I have a rooted Galaxy S6 I use purely for Pokémon go (dirty spoofer)and other phones are used for some testing and other stuff.
The iPad is used for on the go photo and video editing, as well as used as a controller screen for the phantom drone, I also use it for music in some cases, as the speakers are pretty mint.
The xa1 plus is used as a controller screen for the Mavic drone, others being too big, this one is pretty perfect for this use.
The pc is used for heavy editing of photos and videos with 3d rendering also being done on this, those review intros I do, all rendered on the pc. I also use the pc for gaming.
The pc also runs MacOS high Sierra under a ryzentosh build for use of Mac exclusive applications and features, whilst I'd never use it for gaming on this os, there are some things that are exclusive and I refuse to shell out £1500 for another, weaker machine, or £5995 on a matching spec Mac Pro.

FGS!! How technical is all that?

Re: Phone vs tablet vs computer: what do you use them for?

jonsie — Wed, 23 Jan 2019 13:15:22 GMT

Daytime, when I'm home which is getting rarer these days, and at night it's the laptop as I have most of my everyday apps on there. When I'm out travelling, usually for medicinal purposes, I use the phones for notifications and the internet. Wilst waiting for people having the time to see me, then I either the TabPro for rowsing or more likely these days, the Kindle 8HD running android and Google Play, which means I can get all the apps I have on the phones, onto the kindle. I can use Chrome or Firefox for browsing and once caught up, I can read my choice of Thriller genre books.

I don't play any games on any device, though in the past I have used my only ever game of Solitaire on the TabPro. I think it's still installed though it must be 2 years since I played the game sat in the pub. Music is played on my phone with the Samsung standard ear plugs. Anything more expensive would be wasted on me unfortunately due to hearing problems.

Today is one of the rare days when I can relax at home no one to mither or bother me, no appointments, no carers and a long lie in until 11.30am. so it's the laptop all day/night/early hours of the morning.

Re: Phone vs tablet vs computer: what do you use them for?

Cleoriff — Wed, 23 Jan 2019 13:51:55 GMT

@jonsie

Slightly off topic but I don't care

Whilst I'm honestly pleased you are having a wonderful day of rest, I'm not so lucky.

We are having 4 upstairs doors replaced. The guy doing it is excellent BUT has been here since 8.45am

He's not finished yet and all I have heard is drilling, sawing and banging. He did have to put all the door furniture on...we just bought the doors, hinges, handles etc etc ....

Re: Phone vs tablet vs computer: what do you use them for?

jonsie — Wed, 23 Jan 2019 14:08:59 GMT

@Cleoriff wrote:
@jonsie
Slightly off topic but I don't care
Whilst I'm honestly pleased you are having a wonderful day of rest, I'm not so lucky.
We are having 4 upstairs doors replaced. The guy doing it is excellent BUT has been here since 8.45am
He's not finished yet and all I have heard is drilling, sawing and banging. He did have to put all the door furniture on...we just bought the doors, hinges, handles etc etc ....

Now that would annoy me!

....and by the way my day ain't so good....

Re: Phone vs tablet vs computer: what do you use them for?

Cleoriff — Wed, 23 Jan 2019 14:34:34 GMT

@jonsie

Sorry to hear your day isn't that good.

I really meant in terms of 'peace and quiet', yours is better than mine

Re: Phone vs tablet vs computer: what do you use them for?

EmilieT — Thu, 24 Jan 2019 10:27:44 GMT

@gmarkj Seems we use devices similarly! Do you read books and magazines on your tablet as well, using a Kindle/other reading app or you meant reading articles in general?

@Cleoriff I prefer the feel of a heavy book as well, but as I move house very regularly I now try to follow a general rule of thumb: graphic novels and cooking books as hardback, any other novels on my Kindle. On a side note, I hope you and @jonsie have a better day today

@viridis That's very a comprehensive overview, quite impressive How many different phones do you use on a regular basis then, each having their own function? I counted four from your post but you mention you also use other unmentioned ones for other stuff.

@jonsie I've never used my Kindle for anything else than working, it sounds like it could be good for general internet browsing though ... you peeked my curiosity, I might give it a go later tonight! I sometimes don't have access to my tablet but always have my kindle so it could be a good alternative

Re: Phone vs tablet vs computer: what do you use them for?

gmarkj — Thu, 24 Jan 2019 13:19:25 GMT

I don't read any magazines @EmilieT, so neither.
Articles would depend what you mean? I browse the internet mainly on my phone or laptop.
Reading books is a mixture of both phone and tablet. Mainly phone as I have that all the time, but tablet more on holiday.

Re: Phone vs tablet vs computer: what do you use them for?

EmilieT — Thu, 24 Jan 2019 15:14:32 GMT

@gmarkj I don't read magazines much either .. except for the Time Out magazine they hand out at tube stations on Tuesday mornings every now and then

Have you ever considered or tried a dedicated reading device (such as Kindle), or are you happy with the tablet screen? I got used to the different lighting on my Kindle, which I find more comfortable for my eyes when reading books. That's just me though, and I'm curious to see how you find a "classic" tablet in that regard?

Re: Phone vs tablet vs computer: what do you use them for?

gmarkj — Thu, 24 Jan 2019 17:58:40 GMT

Funnily enough the main tablet I use is a Fire 8HD!

Re: Phone vs tablet vs computer: what do you use them for?

EmilieT — Fri, 25 Jan 2019 13:33:49 GMT

Oh nice! How do you like it?? You also mention it's the main one, does that mean you use several?

Re: Phone vs tablet vs computer: what do you use them for?

gmarkj — Fri, 25 Jan 2019 14:21:09 GMT

I have a (old) Samsung Tab from about 4/5 years ago.
I tend to use that for watching films and occasionally surfing the web.
I use the Kindle more as it is much lighter, but even that doesn't get as much use as I thought it would.
Suppose that's what happens when you have a large screen phone - you just use that!

Re: Phone vs tablet vs computer: what do you use them for?

EmilieT — Wed, 30 Jan 2019 10:17:53 GMT

@gmarkj wrote:
I have a (old) Samsung Tab from about 4/5 years ago.
I tend to use that for watching films and occasionally surfing the web.
I use the Kindle more as it is much lighter, but even that doesn't get as much use as I thought it would.
Suppose that's what happens when you have a large screen phone - you just use that!

That's a good point @gmarkj The lines are blurring more and more, and some phones and tablets are almost exactly the same size now ... I don't like big phones thought for my personal use (I need mine to fit in my hand and in my pockets) so I think I'll keep finding a use for a tablet!

Re: Phone vs tablet vs computer: what do you use them for?

gmarkj — Wed, 30 Jan 2019 13:28:39 GMT

Well I have been making an effort to use the Kindle to watch videos rather than my phone.
The problem for me is the perception that the screen on my phone is clearer than the one on the Kindle - the phone is 1440p/QHD (2560x1440), while the Kindle is 720p/WXGA (1280x800).
To all intents and purposes there is probably little to no difference if watching 720p/HD ready media which tends to be the standard I normally go for.

Re: Phone vs tablet vs computer: what do you use them for?

Glory1 — Thu, 31 Jan 2019 10:14:40 GMT

Late to the party again, I just found this thread!

I use my phone for everything, browsing the net, online shopping, streaming films/TV shows, listening to music, playing games, sending and receiving emails, messaging via Whatsapp, Skype my friends in the US and make the odd phone call.

My Kindle Fire is primarily for reading and downloading books, though I do stream catch-up TV, play games and listen to music, as well.

Re: Phone vs tablet vs computer: what do you use them for?

EmilieT — Thu, 31 Jan 2019 13:58:20 GMT

@gmarkj

It might just be a matter of getting used to it, the more you use your Kindle for videos instead of your phone the more "normal" it'll seem

@Glory1

Good thing you have a phone with a large screen, otherwise it'd be quite difficult to use it for all those tasks! I might have asked you this before, and if so I'm sorry - do you play different games on your phone and kindle? How do you decide which one to play on which device? I only play games on console or my laptop so I have no clue about this

Re: Phone vs tablet vs computer: what do you use them for?

Glory1 — Thu, 31 Jan 2019 17:47:19 GMT

@EmilieT that's why I have a large screen phone to be able to do all those tasks. I don't have a laptop or destop computer, so I use my phone the way y'all use your laptops/desktops.

As for games, I decide what to play based on what I'm in the mood for. On my phone I have 2 types of match 3 games and quite a few word games, like Wordscapes and Word Cookies. On my Kindle I deleted all but the solitaire games as I wasn't playing the match 3, hidden object, mahjong or hidden difference games at all.. I tend to play the games on my phone the most admittedly. But I am often in the mood for a solitaire game.

I should add the games on my Kindle are all from Amazon Underground and are all completely free NO in-app purchases. The games on my phone are all from the Google Playstore.

Oh and no you didn't ask me how I decide which games to play on what device before