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Question

Tablet recommendations- user serviceable/ laptop replacement

by Jun 18, 2014 4:38AM PDT

I want this to be my primary computer (laptop/desktop replacement). Basically, I want a tablet form factor for ultra-portability when I need it. The majority of the time, I would be using it at a desk with an external display, mouse, keyboard, etc. like a desktop. But I want to be able to take my computer with me as I need to, NOT have a second portable device (e.g. iPad or Surface RT) in addition to a full desktop/laptop.

Price is not an issue.


Requirements:

Must be user serviceable including removable/replaceable/upgradable SSD/HDD, memory, etc.

Removable/replaceable battery - should be easy to remove on a regular basis

i5 minimum (I don't need more)

8 GB of RAM minimum

Separate output and input for headphones out and mic in

USB 3.0 - at least 2 ports preferred


Preferences (not essential):

Very strongly prefer Windows 7. I have relatives with Windows 8 on both touch and non-touch devices, and I just can't get used to it. I'm fine with installing Win7 on my own, but the tablet has to be compatible.

OS and hardware should ideally be compatible with full-disk encryption other than BitLocker. I don't have any professional editions of Windows, so no BitLocker

No particular brand preference, but brands with bad/cheap build quality are not preferred

Ethernet port

SD slot

HDMI

Either SSD (128GB +) or HDD is OK - I have an SSD already so I can just replace it

Screen size: 1366x768 should be ok - 1080p not necessary

WiFi only is OK - no need for mobile data

Integrated graphics ok


Thanks in advance for reading and for any suggestions or recommendations.

Discussion is locked

6 Posts
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Answer
Before I write one word.
by Forum moderator Jun 18, 2014 4:43AM PDT

What came close to your list?

That is, your post reminds me of desktop owners when they got their first laptop. Similar requirements but here you jumped past that and into a tablet.
Bob

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@ R. Proffitt
by hello111213 Jun 18, 2014 6:44AM PDT

No tablet I've seen has come close to my list, except perhaps the Surface Pro if I'm willing to make a lot of compromises. There's a lot of great stuff out there but if I'm going to spend the money, I want it to be the right product for me. That's why I'm asking here, because I know there are a lot of smart people out there who really know what's available and can help me out!

FWIW, I don't currently use a desktop - my current laptop meets all these specifications, save for USB 3.0 (it has 2.0 as it's an older model).

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While I do go to trade and other shows.
by r. proffitt Forum moderator Jun 18, 2014 6:50AM PDT

CES, etc, your list reminds me of folk that transition from a desktop. Tablets are so far not offering what you ask for and if they did, they would be shunned by the usual buyer.

Because I like the power of the desktop in laptop space the office opted for a very nice y510p. But even then I have no reason to change RAM as it showed up with 16GB so even if that was soldered down I would not care since it's near the top of what you can get today.

Maybe what you want will show up but I can safely write it hasn't to date.
Bob

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@ R. Proffitt
by hello111213 Jun 19, 2014 6:55AM PDT

Thanks Bob, I think you're right that it would be shunned by the usual buyer... so I would think that the product I want is not even on the horizon in the next few years. My laptop is not in need of replacement at the current time, but even if I waited a few years, my ideal tablet probably would not be on the market even then. I'll do some research but it looks like I should be prepared to make a few compromises.

If it had enough RAM and a large enough SSD I could probably deal with it being non-serviceable.

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With that small change.
by r. proffitt Forum moderator Jun 19, 2014 6:58AM PDT

The next idea is Microsoft's new surface pro. It's almost there for me but for the work I do, I don't want to give up the screen space, CPU, or other power. I still use the arrow keys, page up and down as I write code.
Bob

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Surface Pro 3
by hello111213 Jun 22, 2014 10:30AM PDT

The new Surface Pro 3? That might actually work. Looks like there is an option w/ 8GB RAM and 256 GB SSD (I have 8/128 now, so it would be an improvement).

I have the same issues WRT screen space and the lack of a full keyboard (arrow keys, numpad, page up, page down, home, end, etc.) but I would using it with an external USB keyboard/mouse and monitor most of the time, anyway.

So, it looks like this would be a pretty good option. Many thanks, again.

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