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Question

$500 Convertible/Hybrid Tablet suggestions

Nov 5, 2012 5:38AM PST

Hi,

I'm looking to buy a tablet with a keyboard for mostly educational needs. As a 2nd year student, I'd like to find a good replacement for writing on notebooks in class. My budget is around $500, keeping the value for money guideline.

I will also use it for web surfing, pdf viewing and office documents editing. Excel editor which support function editing is preffered, as also moderate use of Google SketchUp, Pure Data and MATLAB, although I'm not sure whether those apps are supported on tablets OS.

Android-based or Windows 7/8 based devices which support desktop windows apps is preffered.

These are my main needs:

# A comfortable device to write on using a pen (especially math and somewhat sketch)
# A dedicated keyboard (hidden or detachable) which is physically durable for a normal use
# About 10" display
# Battery time of at least 7 hours without using a Wi-fi
# Any back camera and a microphone is preffered, 3G is preffered but much less important

I'm from Israel buy my parents are in California on the next week. Therefore, recommended stores or even good deals on SF or LA will be appreciated.

I would be grateful for your help!

Thank you,
Ron

Discussion is locked

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Clarification Request
Let's skip the dollars for a moment and ask
Nov 5, 2012 5:51AM PST

Did you find ANY tablet that did this?

I'm finding folk try Android and other tablets but they are thinking it's some Windows laptop that runs those apps. Nothing could be farther from the truth.

I see you question if said apps are on these devices and so far, the answer is no. Can you share any tablet that does this at any price today?
Bob

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Hi, Thanks for your reply,
Nov 5, 2012 6:56AM PST

I mentioned those apps without knowing for sure they run on any tablet, and only as a preference. Not a deal breaker for me, but any of those apps could be a benefit, depends on the price difference between those that handle it well and those who don't.

BTW, aren't desktop windows apps compatible with Windows 8 or Windows 8 Pro tablets? I believe those are not in the budget I have stated, but if that's correct, I'd love to know what devices could handle those apps in a manner.

Here are the convertibles I found that are most close to my budget:
Acer Iconia Tab W510 (Win 8, Intel Atom, $500)
Asus VivoTab Smart (Win 8, Intel Atom, $500)
Lenovo IdeaTab Lynx (Win 8, Intel Atom, $600)
Lenovo ThinkPad Tablet 2 (Win 8, Intel Atom, $650)
Samsung ATIV Smart PC (Win 8, Intel Atom, $650)

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Odd list. "Netbooks"
Nov 5, 2012 7:10AM PST

Frankly the performance is so bad on those that I find it hard to believe you could consider them. Is the attraction so strong to a tablet that you are ready to sacrifice your days to waiting for those apps you listed to do anything?

In other words, I'm being kind here and not slagging these that hard. It's really worse than I wrote.

-> I'd like to see why you are attracted to such a low performance high cost thing.
Bob

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May I ask your suggestions?
Nov 5, 2012 7:47AM PST

Are there any Android devices that you would recommend for the needs I listed (or most of them)?

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- Please include any device you believe to be useful for me,
Nov 5, 2012 8:12AM PST

even if I have used the wrong terms to describe it.
If those apps are not really an option on any device under $800 or more, let's pretend I've never mentioned it.
I'm not a fan of any tablet/ultrabook as I have never had one before.

Thanks!

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If we move back to a laptop it gets better.
Nov 5, 2012 1:03PM PST

Just today I was admiring this Samsung. It's really nice.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0083S3MT2/

It starts in 20 seconds and is a great size for students. It's currently 799.

Since you didn't share what the tablet offered and there's too much downside for the apps given, back to laptops I fear.

And before someone tries to sell you on the Transformer you may want to take note about Moto's exit from the Motorola Droid Bionic Lapdock. Can't find the link but while interesting I know of no users of this or the Transformer.

Bob