topic Re: What do you look for in a new tablet? in Discussions & Feedback

What do you look for in a new tablet?

EmilieT — Wed, 06 Mar 2019 09:41:42 GMT

Hi everyone,

Last month we started a discussion to understand better what you look for in a new phone, and got some really interesting replies! Thanks to everyone who jumped in and shared their perspective - if you haven't yet, it's not too late

I thought it'd be great to get your views on tablets next, as I've read here and there that a few of you have one too.

What size do you find most fit for purpose?
Do accessories or specific functionalities matter? For example a stylus/pencil for drawing, etc.
Are you after mobile connectivity, or Wi-Fi only?
Any specs you lookout for? Screen resolution, camera, etc.
How much storage do you think is enough?

I'd love to hear more about what made you chose your current tablet, or what you'd look for in a new one. Your views and advice on this might also help some members that are unsure which tablet to pick.

Re: What do you look for in a new tablet?

TallTrees — Wed, 06 Mar 2019 09:47:36 GMT

Hi @EmilieT

I would like a mobile phone/tablet not too large but a easier to read and surf than an ordinary mobile phone.

Re: What do you look for in a new tablet?

EmilieT — Wed, 06 Mar 2019 09:49:26 GMT

@TallTrees wrote:

Hi @EmilieT

I would like a mobile phone/tablet not too large but a easier to read and surf than an ordinary mobile phone.

That's a good shout! I assume you don't have a tablet at the moment @TallTrees ? Would you like to have one, or are you going to pick a new mobile phone that'll be large enough for you to surf as comfortably as you would on a tablet?

Re: What do you look for in a new tablet?

TallTrees — Wed, 06 Mar 2019 10:00:18 GMT

Hi @EmilieT

I don't have a tablet at the moment. I have a computer which I need and a mobile phone.

Sometimes when I am out I use mobile internet/data but phone is just that bit small.

I need to change my mobile end this year because Microsoft won't be supporting

it. I would very much like to find something inbetween a tablet and a mobile size.

Re: What do you look for in a new tablet?

EmilieT — Wed, 06 Mar 2019 10:46:39 GMT

@TallTrees A compromise between a smartphone and tablet size sounds like it'd make sense for you indeed ... I look forward to knowing which phone you pick later on then!

I don't use a tablet regularly myself, but have one. As I like my phone to be small enough to fit in my pocket, the appeal of the tablet is definitely its size and portability, which are inbetween my computer/laptop and my phone. The drawing functionalities I've used a few times are also really fun!

Re: What do you look for in a new tablet?

Cleoriff — Wed, 06 Mar 2019 10:58:32 GMT

I have a Sony Tablet. It's 10.6 inches (so big lol). I have also got a keyboard and bluetooth mouse.

I know a lot of people prefer to use their hands to operate tablets. I don't, as my fingers are a bit arthritic and I am much better with a mouse.

I use it rarely. Normally when away, so I can watch F1 via Sky Go or The F1 app.

As I get older I do find I prefer my laptop, unless it's impractical to take it away with me.

Re: What do you look for in a new tablet?

Glory1 — Sun, 21 Apr 2019 14:19:57 GMT

I have an Amazon 8" Kindle Fire HD. I use it to read, play games, listen to music and stream films and TV shows on Prime and catch up services.

I find the 8"size to be good enough for me and what I want to do.

For shopping on line though I use my phone, Amazon doesn't support all the shopping apps I use and I just find my phone easier for that.

Re: What do you look for in a new tablet?

EmilieT — Wed, 06 Mar 2019 13:55:11 GMT

@Cleoriff

So your tablet was essentially your computer on-the-go (although now your laptop is taking over)? That's how I view it mostly too, since I have a TV and laptop at home, I rarely have a use for the tablet. 10.6 inches is huge, definitely perfect to watch F1 or catch up on some other programs!

@Glory1

Did you try some other sizes before finding that 8" works best for you or was it just what you got and it turned out to be a good fit? As you are a Samsung fan, do you also mind me asking if there's any specific reason you went for a Kindle Fire rather than a Samsung tablet? Sorry for the many questions

Re: What do you look for in a new tablet?

Glory1 — Wed, 06 Mar 2019 14:52:25 GMT

The reason I have a Kindle Fire and not a Samsung Tab is my first Kindle Fire, 7" tablet was on offer. It was a good deal.

I chose the 8" Kindle Fire as it was new at the time and it offered expandable storage up to 256 gb which I needed badly. I was running out of space on the Kindle I had. So I ordered the new 8" which was also on a special offer and an SD card to increase storage to 128 gb. I've still plenty of space on it. Especially as I deleted loads of games I wasn't playing and kept only the ones I do play regularly.

My books on the other hand increase regularly

Re: What do you look for in a new tablet?

Cleoriff — Wed, 06 Mar 2019 15:22:55 GMT

@EmilieT

To be honest, if I can take my laptop with me, I will.

The only problem with it (in relation to F1) is you need an android emulator installed to watch F1 through the app I use.

It's an app which only works with Android. So the emulator 'tricks' your windows PC into thinking it's Android.

Re: What do you look for in a new tablet?

gmarkj — Thu, 07 Mar 2019 07:43:29 GMT

I have a 10" Samsung Tab (old, OLD one) and an 8" Kindle FireHD.
I got the Samsung to watch films, but it is rather large and the battery disappears faster than doughnuts in an office.
So when the Kindle was on offer I got one of those. My wife had a 7" one which she used to play games on, and I wanted one that was a little bigger but not as big as the Samsung.
I find that the Kindle is a good size for watching videos, although the screen is quite reflective so dark scenes can get overlaid with what is behind me (or me). This is also an issue when using the Kindle to actually read!
In terms of other features, so long as it has expandable storage, a reasonable screen size with a decent pixel density and WiFi I am not fussed about other specs.

Re: What do you look for in a new tablet?

EmilieT — Fri, 08 Mar 2019 10:07:29 GMT

@Glory1

Good deals all- around Expandable storage is definitely a great plus!

@Cleoriff

Oooo I see, I had no idea that was a thing. If your laptop can be tricked into doing the job of your tablet for F1, it makes the tablet more a backup of the laptop than anything else

@gmarkj

I have to say, I love this line " the battery disappears faster than doughnuts in an office" and might well re-use it sometime You mention as part of your criteria a decent screen size, what's reasonable in that regards for you if you don't mind me asking?

Re: What do you look for in a new tablet?

Baz — Wed, 13 Mar 2019 17:44:05 GMT

What size do you find most fit for purpose?

I have two a Samsung Tab A 7" and a 10.5" i find i use the 10.5" more then the 7"

Do accessories or specific functionalities matter? For example a stylus/pencil for drawing, etc.

The 7" one was brought meanly to use out and about or when we go over the caravan to watch the Home cctv where the 10.5" was brought to use as a general tablet for everything else we got a kick stand case for each to make it easier to hold or stand

Are you after mobile connectivity, or Wi-Fi only?

was after mobile connectivity the most

Any specs you lookout for? Screen resolution, camera, etc.

How much storage do you think is enough?

the 7" has enough for what I'm using it. if I'm looking at a general one i would look at least 32gb of storage

Re: What do you look for in a new tablet?

gmarkj — Thu, 14 Mar 2019 07:57:10 GMT

@EmilieT wrote:

@gmarkj

I have to say, I love this line " the battery disappears faster than doughnuts in an office" and might well re-use it sometime You mention as part of your criteria a decent screen size, what's reasonable in that regards for you if you don't mind me asking?

It all depends on what use - reading I think a 7" is just about big enough, and while I watch lots of videos on my phone I prefer the 8" is the minimum for me.

One thing that I was looking for was at least 720p (HD Ready). My phone (LG v30) is QHD, the 8" Kindle FireHD is HD Ready and the Samsung (I think) is the same albeit in a larger size (10.2").

If price was no restriction (and it obviously is) I would have preferred the Sony Z4 tablet - 10.1"screen, WQXGA screen (2560x1600 pixels), 32gb storage and quite light for the size.

Re: What do you look for in a new tablet?

EmilieT — Wed, 20 Mar 2019 11:58:25 GMT

@Baz @gmarkj Thank you both for all those details, it's very interesting to find out more about what the different priorities, criteria and uses!

Re: What do you look for in a new tablet?

Anonymous — Wed, 20 Mar 2019 22:45:07 GMT

(1) Battery Life

(2) Portability

(3) Screen size 8-10 inch

(4) Support / Software updates

(5) Reasonable Price

(6) Well known Brand

(7) App Store

My latest purchase from Spring 2018 was an ipad 9.7" v. 2018 wifi

Works swiftly, good battery and apps I need. Price more favourable than previous models and base storage capacity good.

32gb sbould be min storage as you don't get that as available after the operating system etc. eats into it!

Can't justify price of pencil and not sure would make full use. I bought a wireless keyboard which I do not use a lot.

Wifi is sufficient as I have a mobile with data.

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I have a sluggish 8" 4G Android tablet that has never been updated and stuck on Jelly Bean LOL. Shows you what some companies think of their brand! (luckily it was a prize, I'd be even more upset if paid £200 like many did!!!)

Re: What do you look for in a new tablet?

EmilieT — Tue, 26 Mar 2019 14:45:12 GMT

@Anonymous Thanks for all that info, that's great! You mention you got a wireless keyboard for the tablet but do not use it much - did you initially get the tablet for a specific use, and then changed your mind? Or is it that you got used to the on-screen keyboard?

Just curious

Re: What do you look for in a new tablet?

Anonymous — Tue, 26 Mar 2019 15:08:58 GMT

@EmilieT

Easier using ipad alone (onscreen KB ok) than balancing Keyboard whilst sofa surfing,

though handy pairing the wireless keyboard to use like a mini computer on the desk / table sometimes for longer text input.

Primarily ipad purchase was to sofa surf and digest multimedia / apps on a larger screen than a phone.

Re: What do you look for in a new tablet?

EmilieT — Mon, 01 Apr 2019 14:14:13 GMT

@Anonymous That makes sense! I've never had a wireless keyboard for tablets but I can see how it'd be handy at times.

Re: What do you look for in a new tablet?

Cleoriff — Mon, 01 Apr 2019 19:07:51 GMT

@EmilieT wrote:
@AnonymousThat makes sense! I've never had a wireless keyboard for tablets but I can see how it'd be handy at times.

Every tablet I've had, I use a wireless keyboard. I find it far easier to handle.