Looking to buy a tablet for the missus.

drose1 on 05/06/2016 - 08:30

Hey guys,

So I'm super behind in the tablet world - have never owned one or read much into them; but thinking of buying one for the gf for her Bday.

She mainly uses it for general things: Web surfing, Facebook, and movies.

I checked out the ipad pro's yesterday, and they seemed pretty cool.

My question is, what's out on the market at the moment? Are the ipads still the way to go, or has Android stepped up their game?

Which tablets would you recommend for a general user?

Any deals on the newer ipads at the moment?

Any help would be appreciated.

Cheers

Electrical & Electronics

Comments

  • Tiredman on 05/06/2016 - 09:48

    My missus loves her Ipad Mini. Good size for her hands as well. For general usage, Ipad Pro is probably a bit of an overkill. Ipad Air 2 or Ipad Mini 2 or 4 are my suggestions.

    • drose1 on 05/06/2016 - 13:56

      What should you be doing on an ipad to justify using an ipad Pro?

      • Terra Australis on 05/06/2016 - 23:13

        It's marketed towards professional digital artists, hence the Apple Pen integration and such, and even aims to replace laptops for video editing with a fast CPU and GPU. But if you enjoy the large screen, want the iPad experience and can afford it, it will serve her well, despite the extra horsepower and such.

  • Thefiddler on 05/06/2016 - 11:47
    +7

    For me, you're tied in too much with an ipad. With an android, you can atleast download your own files and dont have to bother converting anything to play with an apple product ( maybe this has changed in the years since i've last used an ipad or iphone? )

    I'd suggest a samsung galaxy S2 which technically leaves apple in its dust and also gives you the option of adding external memory which, to the best of my knowledge, apple still fails to add in its products.

    • drose1 on 05/06/2016 - 14:00

      The only reason I bring up ipad is because I have no knowledge of tablets, and I just so happen to walk into an apple store yesterday.

      I'm definitely open to android as mentioned in my original post. But just looking for something that is suitable and something she'd like. Tbh, I looked at a few Samsung ones, and I just don't think they match up to the ipads aesthetically, which will play a factor for the missus.

    • Razor17 on 05/06/2016 - 14:10

      what are the opinions on a nexus tablet?

      • AlienC on 09/06/2016 - 00:39
        +1

        A Nexus 9? Great. But personally I would lean towards a Nvidia shield if you can unless you can get the nexus for significantly cheaper. Overall better support and functionality imho on the shield tab (controllers case stand native apps and such).

  • cheepwun on 05/06/2016 - 13:18
    +2

    7 inch
    $97 http://www.officeworks.com.au/shop/officeworks/p/lenovo-tab-…
    $97 http://www.officeworks.com.au/shop/officeworks/p/lenovo-tab-…

    10-inch
    $216 http://www.officeworks.com.au/shop/officeworks/p/lenovo-tab-…

    First one is the one I have experience with.

    It's great if you don't mind quality of camera (poor) or lack of compass when using GPS. IPS screen is good enough for the price, unlike many crap TN screens at this price. CPU and 1GB RAM are fine.

    USB-On-The-Go means the easy hook-up of USB peripherals and hubs with a simple USB OTG cable from ebay ($1 or so). 64GB MicroSD works too (Apple will never offer MicroSD…buy the next model up with more storage for $$$). Easily rootable as well, so you can regain more control over what is installed on the machine & uninstall the crap they normally don't let you.

    • AlienC on 09/06/2016 - 00:32

      What quality in YouTube can it buffer?

    • cheesecactus on 09/06/2016 - 18:36

      Goodguys has those same two tablets for 20% less via their ebay store.

      • cheepwun on 09/06/2016 - 18:49

        Goodguys has those same two tablets for 20% less via their ebay store.

        Yes, see my comment further down, posted 2 days ago.

        The advantages to the Tab 2 7-inch model (in the first link) is it is actually a smaller unit (if it matters to you), & you can get a cheaper case with a magnetic latch for it on ebay (cheaper than the Tab 3 in the second link). Tab 3 is still too new so cases cost more & there appears to be less choice.

        The advantage to the Tab 3 7-inch model (second link) is it comes with Android 5 (if that matters to you; it doesn't to me). It doesn't appear to be easily rootable like the Tab 2. Both have crappy cameras. If you like blue trim, then you might like this one too. Inserting a MicroSD is a fair bit easier in this one too, if my experiences are anything to go by. If using it 'bare' there is a nicer texture on the back of the Tab 3, in my opinion. It's also cheaper for a short time :)

    • killergreely on 23/06/2016 - 20:10

      If you can find either of these still in stock:
      http://www.officeworks.com.au/shop/officeworks/p/lenovo-tab-…
      http://www.officeworks.com.au/shop/officeworks/p/lenovo-yoga…

      They are a much better option. More ram, better camera, full HD screen, faster CPU, only ~$10 more. JB had them on special too. They're EOL unfortunately.

  • spackbace on 05/06/2016 - 16:13
    +3

    Does she use an apple or Android mobile phone?

    • spackbace on 09/06/2016 - 19:03

      I thought this was kind of an important question…! Maybe it's just the fact-finder in me

  • DJ Sex Crimes on 05/06/2016 - 16:45
    +2

    Samsung Galaxy S2 Tab. Mum bought one recently using a 20% off Bing Lee Ebay voucher. The Good Guys ebay page currently has it going for $503.

    Great tablet I reckon. Works exactly like a Samsung Galaxy phone if you've ever used one.

    http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/NEW-Samsung-SM-T810NZKEXSA-Galaxy…

  • iridiumstem on 05/06/2016 - 16:59

    If you are looking to buy an iPad, I probably would recommend iPad Air 2 over iPad Pro 9.7.

    I think iPad Pro 9.7 would be an overkill and only distinct different other than better CPU/GPU (which I think you wouldn't notice unless you play games on there) and slightly better screen (true tone display or whatever they called it) is the Apple pencil support. So if you are not thinking of using the stylus, I think Air 2 is a better buy (with discount and everything).

    • drose1 on 06/06/2016 - 22:46

      Yeah, thanks man. After doing a bit (minimal) research, I think I'll go with the air 2. Where would be the best place to buy and what kind of discounts should I be looking out for?

      As you can probably tell, I'm not much of a tech guy :(, so I wouldn't know where and when I should buy.

      • iridiumstem on 06/06/2016 - 23:20

        Dunno, I'd probably stick to Ozbargain ;) Latest ones were from Officework (that one is still active), Costco and Big W so I'd look around those? Probably wouldn't recommend Kogan though.

        Not an iPad person myself to be honest, others would probably be more helpful in that regards :P

  • Savas on 05/06/2016 - 22:41

    I have been waiting to buy a Tablet since I missed out on the Tab A 9.7 inch for $220. The S2 looks pretty good. I reckon phablets are the way to go though

  • voiletmay on 06/06/2016 - 07:42

    I have an ipad and two android tablets (nexus and another one I can't recall). The androids never get used and the ipad gets used all the time.

    I would go a regular size ipad, unless she wants to have it in her handbag all the time.

    If you cook from a recipe on the ipad, then it is easier to read from an ipad, rather than a small size screen.

  • [Deactivated] on 06/06/2016 - 08:41

    I bought my ex a whole bottle.

    • [Deactivated] on 07/06/2016 - 09:15

      Ok, maybe a bit too subtle.

  • Ryanek on 06/06/2016 - 09:00

    For a general user, iPad is the best choice. Rock solid build and arguably the easiest to use. App ecosystem is generally also better suited for the general consumer.

  • elease on 06/06/2016 - 15:42

    My kids prefer to use Ipad. I prefer to use Samsung, mainly because of Chrome browser and native gmail client. And it can be used as a phone when you travel.
    However, Ipad 2 battery is way better even now (it was bought at release day ages ago) then the Galaxy Notes 10 and 8 I have, and that is probably why kids prefer it - ipad always has enough juice when they pick it up, contrary to Note 10.

  • cheepwun on 07/06/2016 - 00:26
    +1

    http://www.ebay.com.au/rpp/thegoodguys
    Lenovo tablets (mentioned earlier) 20% off at GoodGuys ebay, until June 10. Also other brands.

    $77.60 after 20% discount coupon CLICK20 applied. You can't beat that with a stick.
    http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/NEW-Lenovo-ZA0R0015AU-Tab-3-A7-10…

    • AlienC on 09/06/2016 - 00:35

      Anyone know what YouTube videos it can buffer? 720? 1080?

      • cheepwun on 09/06/2016 - 11:46

        Anyone know what YouTube videos it can buffer? 720? 1080?

        Wouldn't that be entirely dependent on the speed of your your internet connection? I always use a YouTube downloader so I don't worry about buffering or streaming anything, and I can watch offline and share the file too.

        The screen resolution of the 7-inch model is 1024x600, so it's quite low. It is an IPS display though.

        • AlienC on 14/06/2016 - 14:07

          Ah silly me forgot the resolution factor. My s2 can only do 480 because that is it's max resolution I believe. 480 x 800

  • AlienC on 09/06/2016 - 00:51

    Depends on your budget. If you want to go low you've got old generation ipads lenovos some samsungs and others. Sweet spot nvidia nexus 9 samsungs ipad minis. High End well ipad airs minis pros samsungs google pixel c sony surfaces and even some lenovo projectors for movie night etc

    And there are even laptop tablet hybrids for mix n match switch play if she prefers that. My picks for no budget would be pixel c nvidia shield tabs ipad airs ipad minis or ipad pro if you want to absolutely future proof for like pretty much life yes they are that good or the Samsung galaxy tab s1/2 range both all good for the Android side of things. Or you know as others have stated a nice 7 or 10 inch lenovo can even get two and link em up for multitasking imo

  • cheepwun on 18/06/2016 - 10:12

    Lenovo Tab 3 7"
    now:
    $76 at Officeworks http://www.officeworks.com.au/shop/officeworks/p/lenovo-tab-…
    $76 at Hardly Normal http://www.harveynorman.com.au/lenovo-tab-3-a7-10-7-tablet.h…

    for those who missed out on Good Guys earlier

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