Tablets? Seeking recommendations...

[Elizabeth I]

If someone were going to buy a tablet other than an iPad, which one would you recommend?

Thanks!

[The Dark Lord]

The Transformer Prime is hands down the best Android tablet - so long as you don't care that they encrypted the bootlocker. That prevents you from hacking it.

Personally, I am waiting for a quad core tablet with Ice Cream Sandwich (the Transformer Prime has Honeycomb but should get ICS soon) and no locked bootloader. Samsung is rumored to be making one with a 2560x1600 display that will be coming out soon. If this is true, I will almost certainly be getting it.

[theprestige]

It really depends what you want to do with it. I already have two fully-featured computers (one PC and one laptop). I also already have a smartphone.

As an avid reader, the Amazon Kindle Fire has perfectly filled a specific niche for me: it replaces hardcopy books. It is also a wifi-capable web browser, and has a lot of other nifty features. It's also half as expensive as the Transformer Prime. Unlike The Dark Lord, "hackability" is not a priority (or even a concern) for me in a tablet. Instead my primary interest is in the Amazon e-reader and Amazon's catalog of e-books.

I can't imagine buying a tablet that is only an e-reader (such as the original Kindle or the basic B&N Nook), but on the other hand, I know that if I ever need a real computer, I have real computers already.

If you're looking for a tablet that will also be your primary computing device, for email, document editing, media access, etc., you should look for a tablet that offers these features.

tl;dr: What, exactly, with details, do you want your tablet to do for you?

[The Dark Lord]

My biggest problem with the Kindle Fire is that it only has 8GB of storage w/ about 6GB available for user use and no way to expand it (like via a microSD card). 6GB can go by fast; more than that is used on my phone. If they had just put a microSD card slot, which would have cost them practically nothing, I probably would have bought one because $200 is a good price.

[Baloney]

I can recommend AGAINST any Velocity Micro Cruz Tablet. If you just want an eBook reader, the Cruz Reader is great for the price; but their tablets are just awful, even at reduced prices.

[thaiboxerken]

I have the Transformer and enjoy it quite well. The added battery in the keyboard makes it very useful for long times without power.

[theprestige]

My biggest problem with the Kindle Fire is that it only has 8GB of storage w/ about 6GB available for user use and no way to expand it (like via a microSD card). 6GB can go by fast; more than that is used on my phone. If they had just put a microSD card slot, which would have cost them practically nothing, I probably would have bought one because $200 is a good price.

I've been using my Fire extensively since I first got it, and I'm nowhere near the limit. Besides, like I said, if I need real storage, I already have real computers.

I guess it depends on what you're storing on your phone, and whether your idea of a good tablet is one that takes over your phone's storage duties.

For example, I use my phone as an music player, so I store music on it. I don't store any music on my tablet, because it's already stored on my phone. So I'm not looking for a tablet with the same storage as my phone.

Again, it really comes down to what, exactly, you want your tablet to do. Low storage isn't really a problem, unless you want your tablet to store a lot of stuff. I want my tablet to read books and surf the web in wifi-capable environments. So far, that doesn't seem to require a lot of storage. If you want your tablet to do other things, then storage might be an issue.

[Trakar]

If someone were going to buy a tablet other than an iPad, which one would you recommend?

Thanks!

I prefer HP products but until I actually hold the Windows 8 Slate in my hands later this Summer, I can't recommend it. (still waiting on the webOS resurrection)

[Cuddles]

If someone were going to buy a tablet other than an iPad, which one would you recommend?

Thanks!

What are you looking for exactly? Small computer, high-end tablet, budget tablet, glorified e-reader, really big phone, media player, etc.? Depending on what you actually want it to do and how much you're willing to spend, there's a huge variety available.

If you want something like an iPad just not Apple, then Asus Transformer (Prime or not, and careful if you want to use it for satnav because they've had a problem with the GPS) or Samsung Galaxy 10.1 are probably the best. But while they're cheaper than an iPad, they're still more expensive than many netbooks and low-end laptops. http://www.reghardware.com/2011/11/09/review_roundup_ten_high_end_android_tablets/

If you just want something that does tablety things but aren't worried about having the shiniest and fastest possible, there are a lot of cheaper tablets around that don't get much attention but are actually pretty good for their price. http://www.reghardware.com/2011/08/27/ten_budget_android_tablets/

If you want a good media player then something like an Archos (http://www.advancedmp3players.co.uk/shop/Internet_Tablets.352/Archos.3/501864/ARCHOS_A101_Gen9_250GB_Android_3.2__Honeycomb__Int ernet_Tablet_with_10.1__Screen.13330.html) might be best, since they still do hard drive versions with far more storage space than any of the more general tablets, while still being tablets with Android, wifi and so on, just perhaps not as nice as the headliners.

Then there are the various e-readers which can mostly do at least basic internet as well, with things like the Kindle Fire being a lot more versatile. Still not really up to high-end tablet standards, but not at all bad for the price.

And then you have things like the HTC Sensation XL and Samsung Galaxy Note that fall somewhere in between phones and tablets. They're big enough, and expensive enough, to just be straight up tablets, but are smaller than most dedicated tablets and work as phones as well.

So yeah, there's a lot of choice around, but it depends very much on what you actually want to do with it.

[Wudang]

I'm happy with my motorola xoom. One of the things that convinced me android was worth looking at was a normally Apple rabid colleague who said his A500 was better than his iPad. The only advantage he saw in his iPad was the better quality of apps on the apple market as they're vetted. YMMV
PS I also have a big windows desktop and a linux laptop.

[Elizabeth I]

Thanks for all the responses.

I have a good laptop (which I mostly use as my home computer) but it's so damn heavy that it's a pain to carry around to meetings and such. So mostly I want something that will do what my laptop does but not break my back transporting it - something that I could carry easily in my hand or in a tote bag.

Any further recommendations?

[Trakar]

Thanks for all the responses.

I have a good laptop (which I mostly use as my home computer) but it's so damn heavy that it's a pain to carry around to meetings and such. So mostly I want something that will do what my laptop does but not break my back transporting it - something that I could carry easily in my hand or in a tote bag.

Any further recommendations?

That is the reason for my preference of HP, the tablets they produce are handheld computers with some reduction of capability and limitations accompanying the compaction. All of the other tablets I have seen take the opposite approach of being expanded versions of smart phones (generally minus the phone capabilities). Great for some restricted web surfing and media tasks (videos, movies, games), but not so good at traditional computer functions. So given this, it is probably important to clarify what you primarily use your laptop for. If its mostly games, schedules, movies, etc., any of the more common tablets are probably fine. If you use it mostly for business, word processing, database manipulation and applications and information that you want to swap back and forth smoothly with traditional laptops/desktop systems, your options are much more limited. The win8 OS is supposed to be especially designed to function well with the tablet platform, and handle many more actual computer applications. It will start appearing in various offerings over then next few months.

[TheL8Elvis]

Thanks for all the responses.

I have a good laptop (which I mostly use as my home computer) but it's so damn heavy that it's a pain to carry around to meetings and such. So mostly I want something that will do what my laptop does but not break my back transporting it - something that I could carry easily in my hand or in a tote bag.

Any further recommendations?

It sounds like you really want is a lighter laptop ... like maybe a netbook.

The reality (imho) is there is the ipad, (which is out) - some 'high end' android tablets (xoom, galaxy tab, transformer - take your pick) and a bunch of other random chinese tablets, the nook, the kindle fire.

Why don't you just get a netbook ?

[cwalner]

It sounds like you really want is a lighter laptop ... like maybe a netbook.

The reality (imho) is there is the ipad, (which is out) - some 'high end' android tablets (xoom, galaxy tab, transformer - take your pick) and a bunch of other random chinese tablets, the nook, the kindle fire.

Why don't you just get a netbook ?

That was my thought, too. If Elizabeth looking for a smaller, lighter computer, then she should just get a smaller, lighter computer, don't mess with different formats, like tablets. Net books will do what she wants, be easier to adjust to from a laptop and are often cheaper than a lot of the tablets.

[PetersCreek]

My biggest problem with the Kindle Fire is that it only has 8GB of storage w/ about 6GB available for user use and no way to expand it (like via a microSD card). 6GB can go by fast; more than that is used on my phone. If they had just put a microSD card slot, which would have cost them practically nothing, I probably would have bought one because $200 is a good price.

I've had my B&N nook Tablet for a little over a week and I'm pleased with it so far. It sports 16GB of storage of which ~3GB is used by the OS...and only 1GB is available for non-B&N user content. It does, however, accept a microSD card.

[Rara]

second vote for the xoom. i find it very easy to use,and prefer the Android platform,for various reasons.

i can watch TV on it,kindle reader (though i prefer my Kindle for long term reading) good camera..for me..video calling is very good too...it means I can move around the house and show things to my granddaughter.
i have a laptop.. HP..and we have a PC.

[joolz]

I love my Samsung Galaxy P1000 Tab. 3G phone, book reader, email, web, music player, watch films, games, alarm clock etc etc. Their sync software isn't as good as the Nokia sync was, but I only use it for upgrades so it's not a big deal.

[theprestige]

I want something that will do what my laptop does

What does your laptop do?

[Sam.I.Am]

You could get one of those stone tablets god draws on with a bush on fire. Those look pretty cool. Of course all it will do is tell you what not to do and then order you around and stuff so there is that one tiny drawback to them...

Plus I hear that disposing of them after they break is a bit of trouble too. Something about melting faces and whatnot but hey, you can't make an omelet without breaking a few eggs right?

[GodMark2]

You could get one of those stone tablets god draws on with a bush on fire. Those look pretty cool. Of course all it will do is tell you what not to do and then order you around and stuff so there is that one tiny drawback to them...

Plus I hear that disposing of them after they break is a bit of trouble too. Something about melting faces and whatnot but hey, you can't make an omelet without breaking a few eggs right?

Well, the Rosetta brand seems to have held up better. It's data retention and built-in redundant backup system are practically unbeatable. Though some have complained about the limited storage space.

[a_unique_person]

Rush Limbaugh swears by Oxycontin.

[Wudang]

Well, the Rosetta brand seems to have held up better. It's data retention and built-in redundant backup system are practically unbeatable. Though some have complained about the limited storage space.

And you have to factor in the cost of a slightly larger bag to carry it in. My wife's handbag could probably do it.

[Architect]

I'm very impressed by my Playbook.

[nvidiot]

Why not an iPad though? Is there something wrong with one for your purposes?

[Sam.I.Am]

And you have to factor in the cost of a slightly larger bag to carry it in. My wife's handbag could probably do it.

I see what you did there...

[Soapy Sam]

Thanks for all the responses.

I have a good laptop (which I mostly use as my home computer) but it's so damn heavy that it's a pain to carry around to meetings and such. So mostly I want something that will do what my laptop does but not break my back transporting it - something that I could carry easily in my hand or in a tote bag.

Any further recommendations?


I truly hate to say this... but have you looked at the MacBook Air?
Or indeed any ultralight notebook.

[BobTheDonkey]

Thanks for all the responses.

I have a good laptop (which I mostly use as my home computer) but it's so damn heavy that it's a pain to carry around to meetings and such. So mostly I want something that will do what my laptop does but not break my back transporting it - something that I could carry easily in my hand or in a tote bag.

Any further recommendations?

MSI Windpad 110W.

Thicker than an iPad, but still very thin and relatively light...but it runs full Windows 7. Not as fast as your laptop, but defintely the way to go if you're looking for a fully functional computer in tablet form.

I have an Android tablet (Asus Transformer) and the MSI Windpad and I like the Android for what it is...but you're limited to what apps have been written for a tablet. For the power user, it's severely lacking, as is iOS. It's just the limitations of the hardware and OS.

[Trakar]

MSI Windpad 110W.

Thicker than an iPad, but still very thin and relatively light...but it runs full Windows 7. Not as fast as your laptop, but defintely the way to go if you're looking for a fully functional computer in tablet form.

I have an Android tablet (Asus Transformer) and the MSI Windpad and I like the Android for what it is...but you're limited to what apps have been written for a tablet. For the power user, it's severely lacking, as is iOS. It's just the limitations of the hardware and OS.

Agreed, its all about whether you want and need a limited handheld computer or a superlative smart phone that doesn't make phone calls.

[Elizabeth I]

Okay, so I should get an iPad Android tablet HP netbook iPhone Blackberry? :D

Sorry for being vague about my requirements. (I still kind of think any computer should turn on and do whatever.) I'm looking for something light and easy to carry that will access the internet and run Microsoft Office applications, mainly Word, Excel and PowerPoint. I would also need to be able to install software on it for remote access to my office desktop. If it could play music or run an e-Reader app that would be a bonus but those are not things I do with my computer now, so those capabilities would be luxuries and not requirements. Ease of use is most important - I don't care about having the latest or newest gadget. (in case you couldn't tell.)


Why not an iPad though? Is there something wrong with one for your purposes?
Well, I learned all my (limited) computing skills on PCs, not Apple products, and the few times I have tried to use Macs have not turned out well. (The people who say Macs are more "intuitive" are dangerously deluded, in my opinion.) I also have an illogical but ingrained tendency to go against the tide. :p I would not, however, cut off my nose to spite my face, so if convinced an iPad would be the best choice, I would buy one.

[cwalner]

Okay, so I should get an iPad Android tablet HP netbook iPhone Blackberry? :D

Sorry for being vague about my requirements. (I still kind of think any computer should turn on and do whatever.) I'm looking for something light and easy to carry that will access the internet and run Microsoft Office applications, mainly Word, Excel and PowerPoint. I would also need to be able to install software on it for remote access to my office desktop. If it could play music or run an e-Reader app that would be a bonus but those are not things I do with my computer now, so those capabilities would be luxuries and not requirements. Ease of use is most important - I don't care about having the latest or newest gadget. (in case you couldn't tell.)

I will repeat. based on this, it sounds like one of any variety of notebooks would be your best bet. I have an ASUS one that runs windows, has wifi, cost about $250 and does everything that you require (I downloaded Chrome as my web-browser, but you can just as easily use either IE (standard) or Firefox if you prefer). Also any program that you can download to your laptop, you can download to a netbook. The one thing that it does not have is room for an internal CD drive. If you wish to install from disk, you will need to get an external USB CD drive or copy files using a USB flash drive.

The biggest drawback is that the keyboard is more compacted and takes a little getting used to. I also hate the mousepads on laptops/netbooks so I splurged and spent the $15 to get a USB mouse.

[nvidiot]

Well, I learned all my (limited) computing skills on PCs, not Apple products, and the few times I have tried to use Macs have not turned out well. (The people who say Macs are more "intuitive" are dangerously deluded, in my opinion.) I also have an illogical but ingrained tendency to go against the tide. :p I would not, however, cut off my nose to spite my face, so if convinced an iPad would be the best choice, I would buy one.

Fair enough, but I'm an old school PC guy, back to when they called them IBM compatibles. And I wouldn't be without my iPad nowadays. My main computing is done on the laptop to be sure, and long typing really wants a decent physical keyboard. But the iPad is a damn fine tablet, easy to use, long battery, simple GUI, and has never given me trouble. As a portable Internet device it's close to perfect. Flash is a niggle but I don't use it anyway.

Reading more about your requirements, I'd probably concur with the crowd here and suggest a nice netbook would be your best bet.

[Elizabeth I]

Thanks, everybody. I really appreciate the advice. A few more questions: are there any netbooks that absolutely should be avoided? Any that are real standouts? What about battery capacity? (I understand that losing weight will probably mean less battery storage.)

Thank you again!

[BobTheDonkey]

Fair enough, but I'm an old school PC guy, back to when they called them IBM compatibles. And I wouldn't be without my iPad nowadays. My main computing is done on the laptop to be sure, and long typing really wants a decent physical keyboard. But the iPad is a damn fine tablet, easy to use, long battery, simple GUI, and has never given me trouble. As a portable Internet device it's close to perfect. Flash is a niggle but I don't use it anyway.

Reading more about your requirements, I'd probably concur with the crowd here and suggest a nice netbook would be your best bet.

Bah.

What's the point of a netbook when the keyboard is so small as to require bringing another keyboard? Might as well pick up a Windows tablet and keyboard. The tablet will be smaller, lighter weight, and perform the same way as the netbook only with a touchscreen (which is actually quite good for typing on. I've typed a few lengthy replies to this forum on it.).

You might save a few bucks buying a netbook, but by the time you get a netbook with similar specs to a Windows tablet, you're looking at nearly the same price without the convenience of a touchscreen and e-reading is certainly easier on a tablet than netbook.

The biggest downside to the tablet is the HDD is only 32GB. With 15-20GB for Windows, only 10GB is left for other stuff. But unless you're looking to use it to carry around a lot of lossless music or movies, you shouldn't have any problems with space (and it does have an SDHC card reader so it's expandable by another 64GB with an SD card).

(Speaking of e-readers, Amazon's e-reader software is free to download and use on Windows. I used it on my Windpad to download/read some of their free classics on my trip to San Diego a few weeks ago)

[Elizabeth I]

Thanks - and speaking of e-Readers, you do know that most public libraries have e-Books available at no charge, right? You can download right from your computer.

[Trakar]

Okay, so I should get an iPad Android tablet HP netbook iPhone Blackberry? :D

Sorry for being vague about my requirements. (I still kind of think any computer should turn on and do whatever.) I'm looking for something light and easy to carry that will access the internet and run Microsoft Office applications, mainly Word, Excel and PowerPoint. I would also need to be able to install software on it for remote access to my office desktop. If it could play music or run an e-Reader app that would be a bonus but those are not things I do with my computer now, so those capabilities would be luxuries and not requirements. Ease of use is most important - I don't care about having the latest or newest gadget. (in case you couldn't tell.)

Well, I learned all my (limited) computing skills on PCs, not Apple products, and the few times I have tried to use Macs have not turned out well. (The people who say Macs are more "intuitive" are dangerously deluded, in my opinion.) I also have an illogical but ingrained tendency to go against the tide. :p I would not, however, cut off my nose to spite my face, so if convinced an iPad would be the best choice, I would buy one.

I tend to agree with Bob, with the added qualification that I'm an HP supporter. The handheld computer tablets are generally more expensive than the entertainment tablets, lots of new units to be unveiled shortly, main thing to look at, IMO, is to get a system that is designed to work with Windows8, which probably won't be released until late summer or fall this year. Unless you are in dire need, I would save up a little more money (maybe buy a net book - something like one of these (http://www.google.com/products/catalog?q=netbook&hl=en&lr=&tbas=0&prmd=imvnsr&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.,cf.osb&biw=1024&bih=645&wrapid=tlif132608105795210&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=shop&cid=5346366537728986771&sa=X&ei=6WUKT8GzOsSviAKNvMWQCQ&ved=0CJsCEPMCMAk#)), save up and get one of the Win8 tablets this time next year.

[nvidiot]

I tend to agree with Bob, with the added qualification that I'm an HP supporter. The handheld computer tablets are generally more expensive than the entertainment tablets, lots of new units to be unveiled shortly, main thing to look at, IMO, is to get a system that is designed to work with Windows8, which probably won't be released until late summer or fall this year. Unless you are in dire need, I would save up a little more money (maybe buy a net book - something like one of these (http://www.google.com/products/catalog?q=netbook&hl=en&lr=&tbas=0&prmd=imvnsr&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.,cf.osb&biw=1024&bih=645&wrapid=tlif132608105795210&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=shop&cid=5346366537728986771&sa=X&ei=6WUKT8GzOsSviAKNvMWQCQ&ved=0CJsCEPMCMAk#)), save up and get one of the Win8 tablets this time next year.

I have a friend in IT who's played with some win8 tablets. Says they'll give apple a pretty hard time.

[Trakar]

I have a friend in IT who's played with some win8 tablets. Says they'll give apple a pretty hard time.

Apple does what it does, well. I just look forward to a handheld computer that does what I would like it to do, well. Run and synch well with my business software and support systems, Win8 sounds like it might enhance a tablet system to finally approach that goal.

[BobTheDonkey]

Apple does what it does, well. I just look forward to a handheld computer that does what I would like it to do, well. Run and synch well with my business software and support systems, Win8 sounds like it might enhance a tablet system to finally approach that goal.
NVM.

[nimzov]

I recently purchased an android 9.7 in. tablet.

http://www.amazon.com/Pan-TC-970-9-7-Inch-Multi-Touch/dp/B004PGMFG2

Right before christmas, the price was really good at 169$ and I could add 16GB MicroSHDC for 20$.

Very satisfied but I have never used an IPad son can't make a comparison.

[TheL8Elvis]

Bah.

What's the point of a netbook when the keyboard is so small as to require bringing another keyboard? Might as well pick up a Windows tablet and keyboard. The tablet will be smaller, lighter weight, and perform the same way as the netbook only with a touchscreen (which is actually quite good for typing on. I've typed a few lengthy replies to this forum on it.).

You might save a few bucks buying a netbook, but by the time you get a netbook with similar specs to a Windows tablet, you're looking at nearly the same price without the convenience of a touchscreen and e-reading is certainly easier on a tablet than netbook.

The biggest downside to the tablet is the HDD is only 32GB. With 15-20GB for Windows, only 10GB is left for other stuff. But unless you're looking to use it to carry around a lot of lossless music or movies, you shouldn't have any problems with space (and it does have an SDHC card reader so it's expandable by another 64GB with an SD card).

(Speaking of e-readers, Amazon's e-reader software is free to download and use on Windows. I used it on my Windpad to download/read some of their free classics on my trip to San Diego a few weeks ago)

Bobthedonkey - what windows tablet are you talking about ?

Do you think it's possible other people could use a netbook keyboard and *not* find it difficult to type on ?

[Trakar]

Bobthedonkey - what windows tablet are you talking about ?

Do you think it's possible other people could use a netbook keyboard and *not* find it difficult to type on ?

Not Bob, but I can't hardly type on a full size standard keyboard any more, I've become spoiled on ergonomic, split, wave boards and now feel like I'm holding thumbs and banging knuckles while trying to type on regular keyboards. With either netbook or tablet, you are much better off than with a smart phone, but not anything I'd want to have to regularly type much more than simple text messages or URLs on. Might make do for the rare word document touch up but I definitely would find it awkward and difficult for regular business and personal use.

[BobTheDonkey]

Not Bob, but I can't hardly type on a full size standard keyboard any more, I've become spoiled on ergonomic, split, wave boards and now feel like I'm holding thumbs and banging knuckles while trying to type on regular keyboards. With either netbook or tablet, you are much better off than with a smart phone, but not anything I'd want to have to regularly type much more than simple text messages or URLs on. Might make do for the rare word document touch up but I definitely would find it awkward and difficult for regular business and personal use.

Basically this.

I have a full size keyboard on my laptop, and it's still more awkward than the ergonomic keyboard I have at home. Using a netbook keyboard is annoying.

I suppose if you use the "hunt and peck" method of typing, the netbook works...but anyone over the age of, say, 10 that can type properly, the spacing and size of the keys is just too small.

The nice thing about the tablet, actually, is that I can hunt-and-peck with one hand while easily holding it in the other. Something a bit more awkward to do with a netbook.

[Cuddles]

I suppose if you use the "hunt and peck" method of typing, the netbook works...but anyone over the age of, say, 10 that can type properly, the spacing and size of the keys is just too small.

Unless you have small hands. One of my friends actually finds her small laptop keyboard easier than a full size one, because she has to move her hands too much to reach the keys on a big one.

Edit: Although it's worth noting that her laptop actually has a touchscreen as well, and can fold over so it's essentially just a chunky tablet if you want to use it that way, but with a decent hard drive, Windows 7, and probably quite a bit more processing power. Probably not worth it if that's the only way you ever use it, but really very versatile if you want more than just a tablet with apps.

[Trakar]

Unless you have small hands. One of my friends actually finds her small laptop keyboard easier than a full size one, because she has to move her hands too much to reach the keys on a big one.

Edit: Although it's worth noting that her laptop actually has a touchscreen as well, and can fold over so it's essentially just a chunky tablet if you want to use it that way, but with a decent hard drive, Windows 7, and probably quite a bit more processing power. Probably not worth it if that's the only way you ever use it, but really very versatile if you want more than just a tablet with apps.

I have several old tablets that resemble that description (basically laptops with stylus touch screens), they were good machines, but wireless connections were virtually nonexistent back then and battery life was abysmal, so they quickly loss favor and became closet relics. I've looked at several of the newer systems like this and if the Win8 tablets don't live up to my expectations, will probably strongly consider one of these touchscreen laptops as my next personal computing system.

[Sam.I.Am]

I have several old tablets that resemble that description (basically laptops with stylus touch screens), they were good machines, but wireless connections were virtually nonexistent back then and battery life was abysmal, so they quickly loss favor and became closet relics. I've looked at several of the newer systems like this and if the Win8 tablets don't live up to my expectations, will probably strongly consider one of these touchscreen laptops as my next personal computing system.

I have an old Samsung tablet running TabletXP that I use as a media machine. I attached a 21" LCD monitor and some speakers to it and it sits off to the side of my PC and streams vieos off of my network using VLC. Before that it was attached to my stereo receiver as an MP3 player in lieu of a tape deck. I did have to dial down all of the eye candy stuff to nothing but it works fine doing what it does considering how low powered it is.

[Jim_MDP]

Edit: Although it's worth noting that her laptop actually has a touchscreen as well, and can fold over so it's essentially just a chunky tablet if you want to use it that way, but with a decent hard drive, Windows 7, and probably quite a bit more processing power. Probably not worth it if that's the only way you ever use it, but really very versatile if you want more than just a tablet with apps.

They're called convertables. I've been using one of these for a couple years now. Don't know if it's going to be Win8 ready, I hope so. Should look that up.

Lenovo S10-3t (http://www.google.com/#hl=en&safe=off&sclient=psy-ab&q=lenovo%20s10-3t&pbx=1&oq=lenovo%20s10&aq=1&aqi=g4&aql=&gs_sm=sc&gs_upl=479l1087l1l4055l3l2l0l0l0l0l792l1129l3-1.6-1l2l0&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_qf.,cf.osb&fp=6bb2ddc91c8898d6&biw=993&bih=433&pf=p&pdl=300)