Slashdot Mirror
Ask Slashdot: Best Android Tablet For Travel?
PerlJedi writes "I am planing a long trip (to Ireland), and want to buy an Android tablet to take along for the trip. I am a software engineer (I actually work for Slashdot), a Linux geek, and an Android fan. I would like to get a tablet primarily to use for entertainment (when I'm not working or building robots in my workshop, I'm usually playing with my phone), but something I could get some work done from in a pinch would be a major plus (all I need to be able to work is a Web browser, and an ssh terminal, preferably with a keyboard). My current cell phone is the Samsung Charge, rooted and running GummyCharge 2.1, and it is a good bet I'll want to root whatever tablet I get, if not right away, soon after getting it. From an entertainment standpoint I want something that is large enough to watch high definition videos on, with a battery life that will make it practical for use on a long flight. Having a decent camera would be a nice plus, but is not an absolute necessity. Having a forward facing camera for video chat would also be good, but is also not a necessity." PerlJedi's got a few options in mind; read on for the details of his reasoning and help him fulfill his quest.
"My brief initial search has yielded the following initial contenders:
- Asus Transformer Prime: This is currently my favorite, for a few reasons: Tegra 3 quad core processor (that's just plain cool); it's designed with a docking station in mind, making it perfect for using for work; sleek, thin design; light weight; available with up to 64 GB. It is on the pricey side, though.
- Toshiba Thrive: I must admit, I know very little about this one. Unlike the others, I have not heard much hype around it. From what I've read thus far, pros include: full-size SD slot; full USB support; full HDMI support. Cons: Bulkier and heavier than its opponents.
- Motorola XOOM: This one has been available for some time, which can be both good and bad. Its problems should be known and understood by now, but it's lost some of the sex appeal of the new product.
- Samsung Galaxy Tab: The Galaxy tab line has also been on the market for a while. It does have some added appeal to me because my phone is also from Samsung, so the rooting processes, and available ROMs, will be more familiar to me.
- Sony Tablet S: Like the Toshiba, I have heard little hype about this tablet. Its feature set also seems similar to the Toshiba. I must admit here, I may be a bit biased against Sony over some of their recent treatment of the hacker/maker community."
All fandroids want an iPad. They are just to stupid and stubborn to admit it.
I would also suggest iPad 2. The hardware is better, it has more software and generally just works better. There are no fragmentation issues either. Android tablets always have the feeling of just something being wrong. I'm not Apple fanboy (in fact I would rather choose MS Courier Tablet if they ever made it), but in tablets front there's just no better choice than iPad 2.
Typing is awkward on the touch screen.
Which is true more or less of any tablet unless you get a keyboard... all of which also work with an iPad...
Personally I don't have trouble typing quickly on an iPad though as the keys are responsive.
You have to pay for any decent apps.
Which continue to work for years without ads. And are built better since the developers are actually paid.
When you scroll through webpages it has to refresh the entire page
??? I've not seen that, but it could be a memory issue (which the iPad 2 improved on).
Sending files back and forth to the device requires that you plug it in. Any files you copy to the iPad have to go through iTunes.
Not in IOS5. (or with a lot of applications).
So what you are left with is a device that is very solid, has great battery life and none of the issues you mentioned.
"There is more worth loving than we have strength to love." - Brian Jay Stanley
Frankly I am disappointed that so many people recomend I get and iPad when the OP specified that I want an ANDROID tablet. Just because the iPad is popular, doesn't mean that it is right for everyone.
They (and me) are recommending it because it is the best choice. Everything you stated in OP can be done much better in iPad, and you save yourself lots of headaches by avoiding the issues with Android. People are suggesting you devices based on functionality, performance, software and what really is good for what you want to do, not based on idealistic views about only wanting a specific platform. The suggestions are good, but of course you are free to ignore them and go with Android, but it really is not as good as iPad for tablet.
That's the definition of an iPad(2). FTFY