Tablets

Assuming the Lisal motor gets through it's MOT okay - and that is a big if - I am contemplating buying a tablet

Had a look around and would prefer one with 3G rather than Wi-fi only as wouldn't mind being able to surf the net on the train etc

But still wondering if it is worth it and also whether it is such a great idea - being away from the puter isn't such a bad thing and my emails really can wait

Any thoughts, views, recommendations?

I have a Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 WiFi only when I want to surf the net on the move I WiFi teather it to my smart phone and access 3G that way. The smartphone acts as a WiFi hotspot (it is encrypted so no one else canaccess it)

If you already have a mobile phone plane with 3G access that allows teathering then this will be the cheapest option, the Tab will obviously pick up on WiFi at home and any hotspots like Costa Coffee etc

[Lady Anna]

You mean there's something else I can tether?

Cool

[Slutty Rimmer]

Originally Posted by reefknot

I have a Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 WiFi only when I want to surf the net on the move I WiFi teather it to my smart phone and access 3G that way. The smartphone acts as a WiFi hotspot (it is encrypted so no one else canaccess it)

Crikey. As a staunch Luddite I think I may have actually understood all that. Although if you have a 3G smartphone anyway why not just use that in the first place. Isn't it a bit like the man shipwrecked on a desert island who finds a lifeboat....and breaks it up to make a raft ?

How good is 3G for the Internet ? I was under the impression it was only suitable for light use such as e-mails and struggles with media heavy stuff. I am intending to wait for the new i-phone and wider 4G before retiring my trusty monochrome steam powered mobile.

If it's a tablet you want Lisal, then get the retina display i-pad or i-pad mini. They are simply stunning and intuitive to use. A few minor problems with Flash media, but compensated for with fantastic display and cameras....and reliability.

Good luck with the MOT by the way.

Regards,
Rimmer.

Originally Posted by Slutty Rimmer

Crikey. As a staunch Luddite I think I may have actually understood all that. Although if you have a 3G smartphone anyway why not just use that in the first place. Isn't it a bit like the man shipwrecked on a desert island who finds a lifeboat....and breaks it up to make a raft ?

How good is 3G for the Internet ? I was under the impression it was only suitable for light use such as e-mails and struggles with media heavy stuff. I am intending to wait for the new i-phone and wider 4G before retiring my trusty monochrome steam powered mobile.

If it's a tablet you want Lisal, then get the retina display i-pad or i-pad mini. They are simply stunning and intuitive to use. A few minor problems with Flash media, but compensated for with fantastic display and cameras....and reliability.

Good luck with the MOT by the way.

Regards,
Rimmer.

Thanks - I will need luck

I have a smartphone which I struggle with. I think the idea of a tablet would be to give me a bigger screen for games/internet etc

Reefy

I have a 3G phone - can you explain tethering and how to do it for a simpleton like me?

[jo nep]

Paracetamol tablets are good for your current headache.

Originally Posted by jo nep

Paracetamol tablets are good for your current headache.

Aah but can't take them as I have a DD session tomorrow and they make me sleepy which wouldn't be good

[quote=Lisal;39800]Thanks - I will need luck

I have a smartphone which I struggle with. I think the idea of a tablet would be to give me a bigger screen for games/internet etc[/quote)
The very reason to use on instead of / as well as a smart phone

Originally Posted by Lisal

Reefy
I have a 3G phone - can you explain tethering and how to do it for a simpleton like me?

Depends Andriod yes ............. fruit ...... errrrrr I mean apple based no.

Basically in android, in your phones "Settings" open WiFi find "Portable hotspot & teathering" open that turn on "portable wifi hotspot" the slect "portable wifi hotspot settings" folow the screen prompts

Basically it allows or gives you the hotspot a name and set a password when the Tab looks for wifi hotsposts you enter the password anganst the relivant hotsspot the wifi

[ex nihilo]

If finances are not of the essence (you mention a condition that your car passes its MOT) then there is nothing wrong in buying a new toy. In functionality terms a tablet is a bit like a smartphone on steroids and sits somewhere between an ultrabook (Macbook Air) and a smartphone (iPhone). If you commute a lot and have an unlimited data download contract or access to free wi-fi, a tablet would be good for watching video, gaming, surfing the net, reading books/journals etc. I think if you need to use a tablet as a phone you need to make the voice call on VOIP. If you don’t spend a lot of time doing these things its best to relate your requirement to what you get out of current smartphone and portable laptop use and see if you need to plug the gap.

[subtle]

I've got a little Nexus 7 which is fun. Quite fast, very light, long battery life, etc.

It does internet, catch-up TV, excessively addictive games, books, music, video etc. I like the swipe style keyboard, and the fact you can just slip it in a pocket, take it anywhere, but at the same time it's big enough to engage with, somehow, in a way that a smart-phone isn't - for me at least.

The Nexus doesn't have as many connectors as other tabs (e.g. hdmi / sd etc.) so that might be worth thinking about too.