Chrome Book/Ultra Book or Tablet

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  KitchenSink on 07/05/2017 - 12:38

  +1

  Go with a tablet, more portable, better screen - that is if you're looking at the Samsung or Apple tablets and can be charged via powerbanks rather than carrying a power brick around.

  • 

    Bangersnmash on 07/05/2017 - 21:48

    I didn't think of that power bank.

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  iridiumstem on 07/05/2017 - 13:34

  +1

  Tablet, for portability and for being more suited for what you want.

  If you feel like you need a keyboard for a basic facebook messages, you can easily buy a bluetooth keyboard. Some of the tablets will have a keyboard cover as an accessory, though I don't think Tab A does.

  I do think Tab A is a bit heavy for its size (525g, which is still light compared to laptops), but I think it'd might even be better than Tab S2 or S3 for you. 16:10 is better for videos than 4:3, most videos on youtube are 16:9. That said, I know that there are other options for budget tablets, it's just that I never had the need to look into them much. Others will mention other budget tablets, hopefully.

  • 

    Bangersnmash on 07/05/2017 - 21:57

    Current Laptop is 2.1kg, so would have to be lighter to make it worthwile, I think its more than the weight though. I feel a tablet maybe easier to pop on a table, go into standbye start up easier, play a game even if i like. Battery life on this is now getting a bit poorly, I mentioned chromebooks as a last choice thinking since they ran apps or will. I did have a look in OW at the tablets, i think reasonable $320 VS $400-600 for chromebooks. I use Android phone, perhaps keeping to that is better, as i know it, although i know Apple have a good battery life. I just feel having a Windows computer already, try something different and it's more for evenings only once i shut down the Desktop. Ipad Air looks pretty nice, not even sure what number is the last one out I think 2?, would be good to narrow down Tablets like Ipad Air weight.

    • 

      iridiumstem on 07/05/2017 - 22:12

      +1

      Well since you've mentioned iPads, new iPad (the 5th generation one) is very decent for its price as well. I didn't mention it because you didn't seem to be interested in one. It'd be inbetween Tab S2 and Tab S3 in terms of performance at $469 (RRP, so wait for a deal). A lot of people like iOS over Android for tablets, but in my opinion, it depends on your preference. iOS tend to have apps that are more optimised for tablets and games tend to be more optimised for iOS, but iOS can be very limiting if you want to do more than what Apple have designed iOS to do.

      I am mentioning this because you mentioned gaming. Budget tablets can be finnicky with games, though it really depends on the game you play.

      Tablets are usually less wieldy, so you'd be better off with tablets. Tablet stand or a case with stand function and you are practically good to go.

      • 

        Bangersnmash on 09/05/2017 - 12:03

        Thanks for your advice, what Android tablet would be on Par with Apple you think? incase i decide to go Android, Ok they are up to 5 now ipads wow! $469 is bit up there, but like you said a deal. Is that the Air 5th Gen?

      • 

        iridiumstem on 09/05/2017 - 12:24

        @Bangersnmash: It's:

        iPad 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, Air 1, Air 2, Pro 9.7, 5th.

        5th one would be better than Air 1, on par or worse than Air 2 depending on what you value (chasis and screen are worse, performance is better). The difference between Air 2 and 5th gen is not big enough to be a game changer in my opinion.

        As with on par with Apple? Hmmm, that's a question that I will have a hard time answering. Premium Android tablets are really rare and iPads are premium line ups (in terms of price and performance). Tab S2 will be comparable to iPad Air 2. Tab S2 has worse performance, but AMOLED screen + lighter weight probably will be a plus.

        That said, you don't need a premium tablet for what you want to do. Gaming is one of the reasons why you'd need a premium tablet, if you don't play games much, it's not necessarily going to make a difference.

        I'd probably look into Tab A (2016). If you can get a cheap iPad Air 2, second hand or somewhere else because Air 2 is discontinued, that'd also be nice.

      • 

        Bangersnmash on 09/05/2017 - 12:28

        By gaming i mean Trivia crack, low end, and just foxtel go!! Tab A was what i was thinking also, and I'm familiar with Android, it prob would be good enough to watch shows/ Fb/ few games. But i will keep an eye out for iPad Air 2 on Ebay perhaps.

      • 

        iridiumstem on 09/05/2017 - 12:31

        @Bangersnmash: I assume those will run fine on Tab A (2016). I cannot say for certain though.

• 

  aboabo on 07/05/2017 - 15:35

  +1

  Use the PC with cordless mouse/keyboard/headphones and large TV (cheaper than a tablet).

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  jonnosun on 07/05/2017 - 18:17

  +1

  Chromebooks work a treat, but more importantly the ones that you can get Android apps on. Foxtel Go works on a Chromebook running Android. Battery life is decent (6+ hours in general). Light typing and Web stuff is fine as well. Some of the Chromebooks these days come in tablet/convertible style. Cheap ones will have poor resolution but mid range ones at the $400+ price point will have decent full 1080p res.

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  Bangersnmash on 19/12/2017 - 15:57

  Follow up, in the end got a $20 month Telstra Ipad deal happy as larry! don't miss the notebook.