IPads, Notetabs, tablet PC things, etc...

Thanks for gherkins...

Anyone have one of these thingos? Tell me more...

Picture a uni student needs to write a 1000 word essay on whatever they write essays on, can such a tool be used to write said essay? Do they have word processing ability?

Google is releasing a Laptop. Google Chromebook http://www.google.com.au/intl/en/chrome/devices/ which as far as I can tell is a tablet pc with a keyboard attached so it Looks like a laptop while really being a tablet.

Pros? Cons? If you have such a device, what uses can it be put to? What are its limitations - besides not being able to run applications like photoshop or whatever. can you surf the net with your home wifi, do they USB support or a card slot of SD cards?

Michael

Hi Michael,

I do just about everything on a 12.1 ASUS, 4GB, came with only 2 but was upgradeable, (not all are!). Absolutely! Love my Asus, LOADED! Especially the size and paid the same price as Google's new release...

But you can read more details and opinions on your questions, where else...
https://www.google.com/search?q=Goog...ient=firefox-a

ASUS Eee Pc... Including ASUS up and coming Google Nexus release...
https://www.google.com/search?q=ASUS...ient=firefox-a
http://www.asus.com/Eee/Eee_PC/Eee_PC_1215P/

All the best,
Phil

[Ankesh]

Thanks for asking Michael.

Short rule of thumb. Anything without keyboards are mainly consumption devices. Sure you can write your novel on it. But it'll be tiring.

Tablets were created for the 80% of masses. Those who do nothing besides email, facebook, youtube, netflix. And buying a couple of things here and there.

If you create online - are a designer, writer, coder etc - then you shouldn't go for a tablet as a primary device yet. Its not a laptop replacement for heavy users.

Originally Posted by Ankesh

Thanks for asking Michael.

Short rule of thumb. Anything without keyboards are mainly consumption devices. Sure you can write your novel on it. But it'll be tiring.

Tablets were created for the 80% of masses. Those who do nothing besides email, facebook, youtube, netflix. And buying a couple of things here and there.

If you create online - are a designer, writer, coder etc - then you shouldn't go for a tablet as a primary device yet. Its not a laptop replacement for heavy users.

I agree with you. I do prefer a PC that's because I'm always at home.

[MMacGillivray]

I do use an iPad but have a wireless keyboard - that makes it much easier to type a longer report/letter (although I do find the keyboard needs the lightest of typing touch!)

I found a very comprehensive review of using the iPad as a word-processor -
http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/artic...ng_on_the_ipad

I haven't looked into other tablets, etc, but I guess there will be other reviews out there.

Margaret

Thanks peeps,

So, Phil, your ASUS has a keyboard, right? It is thus a laptop or a tablet?

To me, the thingy from Google comes across as a tablet with a built in keyboard. Maybe I'm looking at it wrong.

Ankesh, I understand they are devices used for Viewing rather than Creating, but the availability of a keyboard would turn that around, would it not in terms of written work?

I'm beginning to see a lot of them on construction sites. Where all the various documentation involved in a project is stored as PDF files and an Engineer or Supervisor/Foreman is able to bring them up At Will while away from the desk.

I've seen them used by service departments. Person pulls up, service guy goes out to vehicle and enters relevant details As They See Them. I assume a wifi or bluetooth link back to the main computer.

At the moment I see them, from a normal person POV, as a kindle reader with the ability to do some email, facebook, etc. BUT, that's how *I* see them. What I am wondering is more to do with what Margaret was hitting at - using Office Apps to turn it into a kind of laptop When Needed.

I agree using it to read Sowpub on the train is quite doable, while writing, even a message like this one, using the touchscreen keypad would be cumbersome and Not user friendly at all.

Are they more than a smartphone with a larger screen?

Michael

Michael,

Correct, ASUS has a keyboard, therefore it is thus a laptop, notebook, netbook (different names, usually based on various overall sizes and features) but keep in mind tablets have virtual keyboards, still very useful.

Of course different opinions on those due to everyone's hand and finger abilities, likes and dislikes, but they do work fine and still do the required tasks!

Many other tablets are bringing out keyboard add-ons and virtual keyboards into laptops, notebooks and netbooks also...

Quick examples...
http://ca.crackberry.com/blackberry-...A42A10661A.htm
http://www.samsung.com/us/mobile/galaxy-tab-accessories

Lenovo unveils slew of tablets with keyboards, laptops with touchscreens...
http://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2012/...-touchscreens/

Are Keyboards on Laptops the Next Thing to Go?
https://www.google.com/search?q=Are+...ient=firefox-a

All the best,
Phil

Just in case Anyone's interested...
https://www.google.com/search?q=Meet...ient=firefox-a

All the best,
Phil