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Question

Tablet Suggestions?

Apr 14, 2013 5:31PM PDT

I currently own a Toshiba tablet (don't know the name, but it's one of the first models, 10 inch screen, and very very thick) and I'm looking to upgrade to a better tablet because of how laggy this one is. The main things I'm looking for:

1. Good for reading eBooks (pdf, epub, mobi etc.) I have a very large eBook collection that's mostly in pdf, but my current tablet is very laggy when it comes to page turning. If I try to turn too many pages at a time the app will even shut down. If this is an issue with my app and not the tablet, then I'm currently using Aldiko for my reading app.
2. HD Movies. Again, my tablet is generally pretty laggy when it comes to watching HD movies, especially when they're in MKV format or if the file size exceeds ~3 gb. I use either MX Player or BS Player free for my apps.
3. Attachable Keyboard. If there's an attachable keyboard accessory available, especially in the form of a case, that's a huge plus.
4. Large Screen. Just looking for a decent size screen here. 10 inches should be fine.

Thanks a lot!

Discussion is locked

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Answer
(NT) You just described the Asus Transformer.
Apr 15, 2013 2:31AM PDT
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ASUS VivoTab RT?
Apr 15, 2013 12:28PM PDT

Would you suggest getting the ASUS VivoTab RT? It's about the same price as the Transformer Infinity, but it can run Windows 8 so I can get work done on Microsoft Office. The reviews are pretty mediocre, so how is the Transformer Infinity better than the VivoTab?

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You need to do more research.
Apr 15, 2013 12:34PM PDT

Windows 8 RT is very restricted. For example you may not install any app unless it's on the Microsoft Store. Yes you get Office but given the restrictions that are beyond draconian. Not one person I know has bought one.
Bob

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Which restrictions?
Apr 15, 2013 12:48PM PDT

Where can I find the restrictions? To be honest, Office is the main thing I'm looking for. I'm about to go off the college, so I thought it'd be convenient to use this to take notes on Word or use Powerpoint. The only things I'll be using this tablet for are MS Office, HD movies, eBooks, and maybe a couple games.

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If all you want is Office.
Apr 15, 2013 1:50PM PDT

You may have a good choice. Frankly since MSFT is playing the bully and not allowing any app unless it's through their app store, I rarely find folk to be happy that they can't install any app you want as you did on your usual Windows PC.

This is not a Personal Computer in my opinion.

I'd be sure to check if you can return it WITHOUT PENALTY since MSFT is being such a bully about this.

The Windows 8 Pro tablet is an entirely different device. If it comes with Office, stellar but I thought you had to buy office.
Bob

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Acer Iconia W510-1422 ?
Apr 15, 2013 1:14PM PDT

Is the Acer Iconia W510-1422 a better choice? It's a similar price, but it's Windows 8 (not RT).

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Both models get away from the Win 8 RT issues.
Apr 16, 2013 2:17AM PDT

Be sure to test drive both models. The sad thing about those models is that you must test if they lag on HD playback. An unit I tried last year was powered by an older Atom CPU and it seemed to struggle with playback of a HD title.

The office picked up an Asus TF300T refurb with the dock/battery/keyboard for under 400 from woot.com. Are you talking a lot more money? We've picked up the refurbs since we've had good luck with all of them and don't pay full price. We mainly use them for testing our apps.
Bob