Tablet questions.


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So I want/ kind of need a tablet that would help with work, I write reports a decent bit...Actually, everything I do becomes a state legal document. I usually write it up in Microsoft Word, then copy paste into whatever. I want a tablet because I can start my documents faster while instead of waiting to I get back into the office.

I have been looking at the new Surface 2 (Not Pro, I cannot justify the price for what it does and what I need).

Surface comes with office which is a plus, those type covers are amazing as well I think. Apps, I don't know much about them. The USB drive is GREAT, type of my documents, put flash drive in, transfer them to a desktop and done.

 

 

Personal time, I am sure it has Netflix, some games, so that's good. I have spotify, which hopefully there is an app for it, if not I could always use the browser based one.

32 Gig would be enough.

 

 

The new iPad Mini with retina display got my attention. It's only $50 less then the surface, but it has less space. I have an iPhone, so all my apps would be on the iPad (yay!). Music too. Netflix. However I am just not sure about key boards and word processing. iPad mini has a price point going that has my attention. However no USB drive kind of sucks. I'd have to write my stuff up, email it to myself and go from there.

 

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I would say it depends on what OS you like.  Office is available for Android, iOS, and of course Windows.  Also, Androids and iPads have 3rd party keyboard docks you can buy as well.  Of course, the Surface has a good KB as well.

 

If you are looking for ease of use and transfering files, you can always use cloud storage on any device.  Androids have file managers that can access folders on PCs to.  Not so sure about IOS.

 

So I would just look to see what else, app wise, you will be using on the tablet and go from there.

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Just to clarify, Office 365 is available for iOS, so you need to be online on a browser to use it. So there is no real offline version of Office on iPad yet.

Apple does have their version of Office known as Pages.

Now it is said regular Office for iPad is coming, but I also have been reading that for the past year, and I just am not so convinced it will be released, as that would mean MS would be conceding a lot of Surface sales.

 

With that said, as long as you are not doing a ton of crazy formatting, most of the basic formatting sticks between Pages and Word.

 

As far as keyboards for the iPad, there are a ton out there that I am sure would meet your needs. Most are Bluetooth based, but they are out there. Not sure how those bigger ones would fit on an iPad Mini though, as I personally only have used iPads.

 

That is what I have to add to the conversation. I think you would not be wrong going with an iPad, but just keep in mind the MS Office on it right now is in fact only Office 365, which is browser based and as such requires an always online connection. So unless you have a 3G/4G enabled iPad, you are not going to always be able to access it while on the road. I also am of the understanding Office 365 on iOS is pretty damn limited in feature set, so you almost definitely would defer to using Pages until Office itself comes out.

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The new iPad Mini with retina display got my attention. It's only $50 less then the surface, but it has less space. I have an iPhone, so all my apps would be on the iPad (yay!). Music too. Netflix. However I am just not sure about key boards and word processing. iPad mini has a price point going that has my attention. However no USB drive kind of sucks. I'd have to write my stuff up, email it to myself and go from there.

I'd purchase a Bluetooth keyboard/cover stand too (there's nothing like physical keys) - a 7.9" display sounds a bit small for serious soft touch typing on.

 

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Many apps (like GoodReader) include built in WiFi access to their storage. (Unfortunately, GoodReader isn't stable on iOS 7 at present, but none the less it's a great app. Hope to see an update soon). iOS7 now includes AirDrop too.

 

screen480x480.jpeg

 

An iPad would be a good choice, as it would be possible to sync ALL data on your iPhone to your iPad. Consider the iPad Air too. Either way, I agree - a USB port would be nice.

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Well, as you said, the Surface devices are definitely an option that's available, and sound like they would be ideal to you.

 

Also, as you have said, the iPad mini (retina) is going to be an option, and with the smaller form factor it's definitely an attractive piece of hardware. You can connect most bluetooth keyboards to the iPad mini, so you don't necessarily need a keyboard cover for it to use the keyboard as necessary.

 

As stated elsewhere in the thread, the iPad would come with free versions of Pages, Keynote and Numbers, which are the Apple equivalents of Office, and do support saving into the relevant file formats.

 

At this stage, it seems we can rule out the choice of an Android tablet, and narrow it down to the iPad mini or the Surface 2. And simply put, it depends which OS you'd want more. The fact that items sync between your iPhone and iPad through iCloud is definitely a plus point for the iPad.

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Yep. The new mini is set to launch around the 21st Nov approximately. And will likely sell out in a flash so I would hurry for that if that's your choice. :P

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  • 3 weeks later...

Played around with both the mini and the surface. I am really torn.

I'm buying my wife a mini for Christmas. I'll play with that one and decide.

I did trade in my old xbox at best buy for a $100 gift card. So if I get a surface it will only cost $340.

Or a mini with retina would be $299

Blah!!!!

I really did like the surface a lot. It's a bit bigger but ehh. Everything else looks the same.

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I really did like the surface a lot. It's a bit bigger but ehh. Everything else looks the same.

 

Microsoft is putting last year's Surface RT on sale Black Friday for $199.  The RT is underpowered, but at that price and with Office included, I think it's worth a look. 

 

Keyboard ~+100 for type, +~$49 for touch.  I'd get the type cover, personally.

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I would skip Windows RT. It has so much potential but the app store is a major let down (especially if you're used to iOS/Android selections in the app store). The device itself is really nice. You can get a gen 1. Surface Pro for relatively cheap. I personally have the Surface Pro 2 and it is really nice. Make sure you get a keyboard of some sort.

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With my needs and usage.    Would I benefit from the Surface 2 over the Surface RT?  I've only played with the surface 2, so if the RT is going to feel sluggish, I don't want it.  I do like the fact it has a 1080 screen for when I use netflix

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Depends on your preferred medium, if you like apple devices, then the ipad is probably best.

If you're not bothered, then the surface and note 10.1 are both very capable tablets, (I believe you can buy from the respective stores, the specific apps to suit your needs)

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With my needs and usage.    Would I benefit from the Surface 2 over the Surface RT?  I've only played with the surface 2, so if the RT is going to feel sluggish, I don't want it.  I do like the fact it has a 1080 screen for when I use netflix

The screen is nicer and its faster with the tegra 4. It also has the improved kickstand and usb3 as opposed to the usb2 on the original. Also it comes with skype and skydrive offers. I think its worth it for the screen alone.

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The screen is nicer and its faster with the tegra 4. It also has the improved kickstand and usb3 as opposed to the usb2 on the original. Also it comes with skype and skydrive offers. I think its worth it for the screen alone.

Thanks, all I needed.  I'll wait to pick up the S2 then. 

 

Best buy does have a nice sale on surface RT though $199,  Surface 2 is still $449

Edited by Dane
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So two things.  I am told about Microsoft complete.  It's like applecare, but for surface.  $100 for 2 years, is that correct? 

 

 

Also, iPad mini with Retina, and the Surface 2.  I am leaning towards the surface because of office and true multitasking, and USB. How long will the surface last? 

 

ipads I think will always be around, what about the surface?

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I am getting alot of different answers from microsoft reps about their own warranty.   

 

https://myservice.surface.com/en-US/Pages/Welcome.aspx

 

That website says "buy a service plan".  

 

http://www.microsoft.com/surface/en-us/support/warranty-service-and-recovery/microsoft-surface-warranty-faq

Microsoft's own website states: 

 

Can I buy additional protection for my Surface?

Yes. Microsoft Complete adds technical support for all your questions around software and hardware as well as protecting your device in a case of accidental damage. Microsoft Complete is available from the Microsoft Storeexternal.png when you buy your Surface, or through the Surface Online Service Centerexternal.png after purchase. Microsoft Complete must be purchased within 45 days from Surface Device date of purchase. For more details about coverage in your location, visit the Microsoft Storeexternal.png.

*Wedge Touch Mouse Surface Edition is covered under a separate, 3-year, limited hardware warranty.

 

 

Surface online Service center, that's the first link I posted.    

 

However during a chat, a rep told me if I purchase the surface at best buy, I will NOT be able to buy the warranty after.  What the ######?   

 

Has anyone here bought the warranty AFTER and did not buy the hardware from microsoft directly?

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