Database Info

Can a tablet replace a laptop?

I spend a considerably amount of time on my laptop - probably more than is even healthy - and I am thinking of getting an upgrade to my Acer Aspire 5552, which is around 2 years old now. At present, here is the specification of said laptop...
AMD Athlon II X2 processor P320 clocked at 2.1Ghz in speed.
15.6" HD LCD display with a resolution of 1366x768.
ATI Mobility Radeon HD 4250 with 256MB dedicated video RAM.
4GB DDR3 Memory/RAM.
500GB HDD plus USB ports and SD card slot for extending the storage.
Other than that, it is just a usual laptop with a DVD drive, wireless and a Li-ion battery. It performs fairly well, but I'd like something that offers a new and preferably faster user experience.
On a typical day, I spend a fair amount of time on my laptop - around 5 hours or so - and below I have listed what I usually do below.
Web browsing to visit sites such as the XDA-Developers (here).
Social networking and messaging through the likes of Facebook and Skype.
Listening to music through iTunes.
Watching HD YouTube videos.
Playing some light games (my laptop can't run high-end games, but small ones run fine).
Homework on Microsoft Office.
So, in all honesty, my laptop doesn't get any usage that I personally don't feel able to perform on my current Samsung Galaxy Note. The 5.3 inch device is pretty atypical and, whilst it serves quite well as a portable (7.0 inch) tablet/phone hybrid, I still find myself turning my laptop on a lot because of two things. Firstly, a 15.0 inch display is much more comfortable to look at for longer periods of time - regardless of the amazing resolution of the Samsung Galaxy Note - and, secondly, giving my phone the heavy usage of a tablet leaves me without battery life before I have even left the house (The Note's battery dies after 5 hours of screen time at a maximum).
I initially refused to purchase a tablet, as there are times where I simply need a keyboard for homework and more long-winded typing sessions. As an aspiring author and frequent Blogger also, touch-screen keyboards simply aren't good enough. But, I have recently discovered the Asus Transformer Pad 300. It is available to purchase here on PC World for £400 GBP including VAT, which is just about within my budget. A tablet would serve my usage, I think, rather well and the keyboard dock would allow me to complete some homework and heavy typing sessions. I'd still also have access to a main family PC which runs Windows Vista, so what do you think?
Do you think that, under my circumstances, the Asus Transformer Pad 300 could replace my present laptop and serve my daily usage well?
Attached
http://www.pcworld.co.uk/gbuk/asus-...let-pc-with-docking-station-13657744-pdt.html
EDIT 1: Whilst I am here, I'd like to ask anyone here who has owned, currently owns or used an Asus Transformer Pad 300 (not the Prime or even more expensive Infinity) what they think of the device.

I actually might think you could be a candidate for a tablet to replace your laptop.... especially with the full keyboard and access to a full desktop.
I couldnt ever do it, but I use my laptop for alot more than you seem to.

Cinco5 said:
I actually might think you could be a candidate for a tablet to replace your laptop.... especially with the full keyboard and access to a full desktop.
I couldnt ever do it, but I use my laptop for alot more than you seem to.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, I use my laptop a ridiculous amount, but for actual dedicated Windows apps - not so much. With a keyboard dock, I could even manage to do my homework itself on the tablet thanks to Polaris Office. All I would miss from Windows would be Steam, which is a real shame, but I could still use our family PC as much as I'd want to play Steam games or do the few things not capable on an Android tablet. I am reluctant to replace my laptop with a tablet, but the more I think about it the more it seems to make sense from a convenience point of view as a tablet will be much more comfortable than my current process of using a laptop on the sofa. Thanks for your opinion, anyway. Do you think the Asus Transformer Pad 300 is any good, by the way? Has anyone here perhaps owned or tried one?

EDIT 1
Whilst I am here, I'd like to ask anyone here who has owned, currently owns or used an Asus Transformer Pad 300 (not the Prime or even more expensive Infinity) what they think of the device.

Well I don't have a TF300 but I do have a TF101 and all-in-all, I am extremely happy with it. In fact I use it more than my laptop. However, I do still use my laptop as a repository or sorts for hosting, downloads and some other Android-type things that a tablet just can't do.
There have been some stability issues with the whole line of Transformers in one form or another. But if you are experienced enough to figure out that it is not a hardware problem, then they all can be fixed one way or another.
I had always thought that tablets were nothing more than just large phones but then I used a friend's Xoom and realized that there was much more to them than that. So, I searched and searched and read and read some more about all types of tablets and what would best suit me. I wanted to know about support (XDA type support), Rooting, development as well as manufacturer support, O/S updates and basic compatability with my daily life.
After all that was done, I decided to purchase the TF101 (in Feb of this year) and have been happy with it. Later, I eventually bought a keyboard dock and between that and my usage patterns, it has beyond outstanding battery life (3-5 days with moderate use). There are several apps that emulate Xcel, Word, microsoft family as well as Polaris. Can watch HD YouTube vids just fine too. i had jury duty a few weeks ago and while I was waiting, I watched Netflix for about 3 hours and didn't put a dent in my battery life and it didn't get hot either.
Storage is unbeatable. Tablet comes with 16/32gb (I have 32gb version), External Micro-SD (up to 32gb) and the dock holds up to 32gb full-sized SD. So if you do the math that is 96gb of storage on a tablet.
I know you are thinking about the TF300 but this is my POV from the TF101. I say pull the trigger on it. You already have the laptop so it isn't like you have to choose between getting one or the other.

Woodrube said:
Well I don't have a TF300 but I do have a TF101 and all-in-all, I am extremely happy with it. In fact I use it more than my laptop. However, I do still use my laptop as a repository or sorts for hosting, downloads and some other Android-type things that a tablet just can't do.
There have been some stability issues with the whole line of Transformers in one form or another. But if you are experienced enough to figure out that it is not a hardware problem, then they all can be fixed one way or another.
I had always thought that tablets were nothing more than just large phones but then I used a friend's Xoom and realized that there was much more to them than that. So, I searched and searched and read and read some more about all types of tablets and what would best suit me. I wanted to know about support (XDA type support), Rooting, development as well as manufacturer support, O/S updates and basic compatability with my daily life.
After all that was done, I decided to purchase the TF101 (in Feb of this year) and have been happy with it. Later, I eventually bought a keyboard dock and between that and my usage patterns, it has beyond outstanding battery life (3-5 days with moderate use). There are several apps that emulate Xcel, Word, microsoft family as well as Polaris. Can watch HD YouTube vids just fine too. i had jury duty a few weeks ago and while I was waiting, I watched Netflix for about 3 hours and didn't put a dent in my battery life and it didn't get hot either.
Storage is unbeatable. Tablet comes with 16/32gb (I have 32gb version), External Micro-SD (up to 32gb) and the dock holds up to 32gb full-sized SD. So if you do the math that is 96gb of storage on a tablet.
I know you are thinking about the TF300 but this is my POV from the TF101. I say pull the trigger on it. You already have the laptop so it isn't like you have to choose between getting one or the other.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, and I'm going to be getting rid of my laptop should I get one of these. It is either a new 15" laptop or a new 10" tablet. I've never owned a tablet, just an old HTC Desire which had no storage and my first proper Android phone with some decent specifications is a 5.3" Galaxy Note. Do you find 10" enough to run desktop versions of websites comfortably and use it heavily? Will it be enough of a step up you think from my Note? So, it is actually one or the other.

Bump.

This may be a little off-topic, but if you upgrade and want to sell your laptop. PM me
Sent from my XT862 using Tapatalk 2

I was actually going to give it to a relative, so sorry.
Sent from my GT-N7000

The other issue I face is whether or not I even need a tablet with my 5.3 inch Galaxy Note always arm's reach away.
Sent from my GT-N7000

Not In My Opinion
I bought myself a HP TouchPad, now i know its not exactly the best lol, but the way i see it, is that if it requires WIFI for internet access then you may aswell just stick with the laptop.

Yes. I have a Note already which is kind of like a 7 inch tab almost anyway. I would rather save the money abd perhaps buy a new PC next year. Problem solved!
Sent from my GT-N7000

I honestly can't see myself using a tablet over a laptop.

I wouldn't get rid of your laptop honestly.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

My wife uses a laptop, I used to, but now I use my Acer A200 tablet which I am very happy with. Of course that is when I'm not on my Note which is quite good on its own.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using xda premium

i use tablet in the bed only for the web and notebook on the desktop for all :good:

I think it's going to be a while until a tablet can fully replace a laptop.
A tablet with a dock could nearly replace one for me, but not quite yet.

i know several people who think tablets can replace laptops but for me i'm afraid not

I never thought a tablet could replace a pc but when i got a tablet I virtually do everything i need on it. email, word processing, surf, skype, stream and probably play more games not then before (not any crazy 3d stuff of course). It really depends on the type of user.

nope
I don't think a tablet can replace a laptop..atleast not the ones that are currently out. But i think eventually all Laptops will be tablets..basically the screen just detaches from the keyboard and you can take it to go.

Infinity or Samsung Note10.1? Help!

Amazon has accpeted to refund my Transformer Prime. Now I am wondering if I should replace it with the Infinity (in that case, I won't send my keyboard dock) or the Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1. I have read about some issues that people were having with the infinity such as problems with the screen, hardware problems or lagginess even with Jelly Bean. I was wondering if these problems are generalized like the problem with the Prime or if they are isolated cases. Would you get an Infinity again if you could go back and choose?

Wendemixda said:
Amazon has accpeted to refund my Transformer Prime. Now I am wondering if I should replace it with the Infinity (in that case, I won't send my keyboard dock) or the Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1. I have read about some issues that people were having with the infinity such as problems with the screen, hardware problems or lagginess even with Jelly Bean. I was wondering if these problems are generalized like the problem with the Prime or if they are isolated cases. Would you get an Infinity again if you could go back and choose?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
39 pages on this forum: http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=1662
44 pages on the Note forum: http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=1736

I would get a note 10.1 personally. The TF700 suffers from lag because it uses a slow nand chip. The note 10.1 uses a fast nand chip and there are no major flaws with it.
Would you rather have a higher resolution screen that lags & has quality control issues or a lower resolution screen that's fast?

Just got my tf700 after returning the prime a while back. Make your decision based on what you use the tablet for. I use the keyboard quite a bit and therefore would go with Asus. If you tinker/flash like me, Sammy is a good choice plus their stylus tech is pretty solid. (I own a Galaxy Nexus and an Infuse before that)
Barry is right, these threads often biased depending on the sub-forum. Google some reviews for both tabs and compare their features.
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T using XDA Premium HD app

The best way to decide (if possible) is to go to a store and play around with both of them.
The "slow Nand" issue is *way* overblown, in my opinion - most users would never even notice the problem. Honestly, the *only* time that I see any sort of lag or slowdown is when updating/installing apps, which can be done when the user decides (like when you don't need to do other things) - besides, how often are you actually install/updating apps while trying to do other things? Honestly, the issue is not nearly as bad as some would make you believe.
As another user already started, if you are going to do a lot of typing and want a FHD screen, the choice is rather obvious. If you actually have a real-world use for the S-Pen, then the Note 10.1 would be the obvious choice.
But again, do yourself a favor and go and try both devices for yourself - most of the stuff you read on these forums is very biased and most of these folks haven't even used both devices, so to get a true representation of the differences between both devices, you'll need to try then for yourself.
I will say this - since the JB upgrade, my TF700 absolutely flies - it is not "laggy" or slow at all - it runs *very* well. After a few small tweaks, even the stock browser is amazingly fast.
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T using Tapatalk 2

You can use a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse with any of these devices. If you need a stand alone USB port on the TF700, ASUS makes one. I don't think the ASUS keyboard is reason to select the Infinity over something else.
I think the prime is very good hardware wise. I love the screen. This screen should be on every phone and laptop.
I think JB will be faster once someone gets all the bugs out and replaces some of the molasses with the butter they promised.
Here is a good review of the Infinity. AFAICT, the only thing it lags hardware wise is the iPad 3.
http://www.anandtech.com/show/6036/asus-transformer-pad-infinity-tf700t-review
I love my Infinity. I wouldn't trade it for anything else.

Linuxguy1 said:
You can use a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse with any of these devices. If you need a stand alone USB port on the TF700, ASUS makes one. I don't think the ASUS keyboard is reason to select the Infinity over something else.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
True, but a bluetooth keyboard and/or the 30-pin->USB converter are nowhere *near* as convenient as the docking station. Plus, there is no extra battery that way, which is a huge benefit of the dock.
The keyboard dock is one of the features that really sets the Transformer series apart from other Android tablets - I think that it most certainly *is* a reason to chose the TF700 over something else.
I'm guessing that you don't have the dock?
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T using Tapatalk 2

jtrosky said:
True, but a bluetooth keyboard and/or the 30-pin->USB converter are nowhere *near* as convenient as the docking station. Plus, there is no extra battery that way, which is a huge benefit of the dock.
The keyboard dock is one of the features that really sets the Transformer series apart from other Android tablets - I think that it most certainly *is* a reason to chose the TF700 over something else.
I'm guessing that you don't have the dock?
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree with this ^^^^^
Linuxguy1 said:
You can use a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse with any of these devices. If you need a stand alone USB port on the TF700, ASUS makes one. I don't think the ASUS keyboard is reason to select the Infinity over something else.
I love my Infinity. I wouldn't trade it for anything else.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Keyboard dock with it's extra ports and added battery is a major thing. You can easily get a BT keyboard for your Note but it won't have the the Key features that sets the Asus Keyboard dock apart that the Transformer series is known for. It protects your screen as well

jtrosky said:
The keyboard dock is one of the features that really sets the Transformer series apart from other Android tablets - I think that it most certainly *is* a reason to chose the TF700 over something else.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Quoted for truth.

Thanks to everyone for your input. I read the mobiletech comparison of the infinity and note 10.1, which was in my opinion an unbiased review of the two tablets. But even as she did the review, a problem appeared on the Infinity (line on the screen). My heart leans toward the infinity because I used the prime and I like all the benefits of the keyboard dock. I am just worried that some people are returning the infinity just like it was done with the prime. I know software issues can resolved with updates so my worries lie mostly with hardware issues.
Sent from my ADR6425LVW using Tapatalk 2

Wendemixda said:
Thanks to everyone for your input. I read the mobiletech comparison of the infinity and note 10.1, which was in my opinion an unbiased review of the two tablets. But even as she did the review, a problem appeared on the Infinity (line on the screen). My heart leans toward the infinity because I used the prime and I like all the benefits of the keyboard dock. I am just worried that some people are returning the infinity just like it was done with the prime. I know software issues can resolved with updates so my worries lie mostly with hardware issues.
Sent from my ADR6425LVW using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Honestly you will more then likely get swayed to not get the Infinity due to a few having a bad experience/issues with the Infinity or those that simply just enjoy the attention/drama. It's easy to get caught up in there issues and make you second guess yourself. I for one after seeing these negetive posts lately had made me second guessing myself, even though I have yet to find issues with my Infinity.
Go out and try it! Decide for yourself. Sometimes we are forced to come out of hiding to defend this great device from too much repetitive negetive postings. Also the Infinity is now running Jelly Bean 4.1.1 from the ICS that Lisa from Mobiltech review comparison video. A lot has changed since then... and it's definately even better.

jjdevega said:
I agree with this ^^^^^
Keyboard dock with it's extra ports and added battery is a major thing. You can easily get a BT keyboard for your Note but it won't have the the Key features that sets the Asus Keyboard dock apart that the Transformer series is known for. It protects your screen as well
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
These things have excellent battery life. I haven't seen any need for a larger battery and if I did, it charges through the USB port, which is very easy to set up and carry with me.
The reason I don't think the keyboard is necessary is because I don't use mine as a netbook. I have a netbook. My tablet is a tablet. I use it where a keyboard would be impractical, ie where I want a tablet.
I think these tablets are terrible netbooks. They don't multi task, their app selection is limited, JB is clunky, etc. Whenever I have work to do, I reach for my netbook.

Linuxguy1 said:
These things have excellent battery life. I haven't seen any need for a larger battery and if I did, it charges through the USB port, which is very easy to set up and carry with me.
The reason I don't think the keyboard is necessary is because I don't use mine as a netbook. I have a netbook. My tablet is a tablet. I use it where a keyboard would be impractical, ie where I want a tablet.
I think these tablets are terrible netbooks. They don't multi task, their app selection is limited, JB is clunky, etc. Whenever I have work to do, I reach for my netbook.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Even if you dont use it as a netbook, you wouldnt want the extra battery life? That alone should warrant getting the dock. Just seems pointless to carry around a netbook and a tablet when you can just reduce it to one device....just saying
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T

I have both the infinity and note 10.1 along with a kindle fire with CM10. You will be happy with either the Asus or Samsung product. For everyday common web reading and ebook I gravitate to the 7" kindle over the larger 10.1" tablet. I do have the Asus keyboard dock and use it for testing apps.
Sent from my Amazon Kindle Fire using Tapatalk HD

I say...
...if you can wait for it.
Dump all the Android tablet stuff and go for the Windows Surface.
I'm no expert in the tablet or Android world, yet something says go WinRT8.
I've stuck by my Infinity thru bad and good and I'm happy, but sadly not elated.
The Android Infinity is slowly coming ashore, yet it's really not anything ground breaking.
Good!...just not fantastic yet.
I was going to screw myself with a second high performance (in relative terms) Android tab.
However for me I'm going to jump on the Surface bandwagon.
I know a Windows touch tablet will make me mad, yet I've been pissed at Windows
since 1995 so we might as well continue with the hate\love Microslop thing.
Hope the rumored price of the Surface is true.
$499.00 for a 32 gig is fair I believe.
Anyhoo...whatever your decision be a happy Android!

Thats OK said:
Hope the rumored price of the Surface is true.
$499.00 for a 32 gig is fair I believe.
Anyhoo...whatever your decision be a happy Android!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The $499 for tablet alone is accurate. http://surface.microsoftstore.com/s...age.Surface?ESICaching=off&WT.mc_id=FY13WinHH
I would say the same thing as Thats OK. Windows 8 RT tablet is coming so soon, you should wait and at least get the sense of what people think about the tablet.
I jumped on Infinity because I really needed FHD and did not like Apple. Among the announced Win 8 tablet, there is only one that has Full HD level of screen resolution, which is Samsung Ativ Smart Pro, which is not RT but full Windows 8 tablet so the price is like $1100 and battery life is merely 5 hours. After reading these specs, I basically found myself in a spot (sort of by process of elimination).
Eventually, if the rumored Nexus 10 or perhaps Windows 8 as it evolves and comes up with better model, I may simply jump to it. With the pace of tablet evolving, I am assuming within next six months, there will be a device that is superior to anything out there in every aspect.
For now, each company and device put their own emphasis thus no device is truly superior to others (in my opinion)
Galaxy Note 10.1 - 2GB memory provides great multitasking on android, and its stability and speed is the best. S-pen and S-note experience is the closest to the real paper and pen experience. However, no Full HD and HD screen is just HD. Never as good as FHD.
Infinity - The best full HD screen android tablet. Speed is compatible to Galaxy Note in most cases. Keyboard dock is really great as it can be essentially used as portable battery charger if nothing else. Stability is not quite as high especially after the JB update, (at least for me) I get random white screen freeze, which I am hoping to have it get fixed but until then definite minus point. But its multitasking capability is not as the level of Galaxy Note 10.1.
Windows 8 RT - Don't know how much restriction there. But multitasking should be superior to that of any android as its Windows based. However, it probably will take time for its application market to develop as RT is not compatible with regular windows apps. Also, there is no FHD option, and all announced devices I believe are heavier than android counter parts.
Windows 8 Tablet - Full blown windows 8 tablet has a great potential but so far just as my old $2000 windows tablet suffered, battery, weight will be not as portable. Even xoom on my hand were felt heavy for prolonged use. Price will also be much higher like x2. However, it is real windows so you can essentially do everything that PC does (obviously not running high graphic games).
New Ipad - Full HD, great stability. But just so restrictive and basically no multitasking.

The problem with W8 tablets is kind of a Goldilocks thing.
1) Will RT be enough with the ability to only run "Modern" apps?
2) Are Atom-powered devices too little to run full Windows; especially HD video and games with high frame rates with no discrete GPU?
3) Are Pro devices which are as expensive as ultra and notebooks too much?
Here's what RT devices can and can't do:
Windows RT contains many of the same features as Windows 8:
Fluid, intuitive, and easy-to-use interface design that you can easily customize.
Built in apps like Mail, Calendar, Messaging, Photos, and SkyDrive with many more apps available in the Windows Store.
Internet Explorer 10, for fast, intuitive browsing.
Touch-enabled so you can interact with Windows in a whole new way.
Mouse and keyboard–enabled so you can be as productive as you need to be.
Windows RT also includes some different features:
Windows Update and Windows Defender are always on and up to date making your PC more secure.
Device encryption provides advanced data protection to help keep your information secure.
The PC can turn on instantly with connected standby.
Office Home & Student 2013 RT Preview is preinstalled.
Some features aren't included in Windows RT:
Windows Media Player
Windows Media Center
HomeGroup creation (you can join an existing HomeGroup but you can't create a new one)
Remote Desktop
Domain join
Although you can install apps directly from the Windows Store, you can't install apps on the desktop on Windows RT. Office Home and Student 2013 RT Preview Edition comes preinstalled, which provides you with touch-optimized desktop versions of the new Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote.
You can only install printers, mice, keyboards, and other devices that are certified for Windows RT.​
The problem with full-W8 tablets is that when using native apps that aren't touch optimized you need steady hands and a magnifying glass to interact with them because of the display resolution.
W8 tablets could be the next big thing or they could be a fail. Until (non-media) people have them in their hands and start using them to do the things they'd do on an Android tablet or iPad it's too early to call. The HP TouchPad was easy to use and intuitive but died because of its limitations and poor app availibility. If MS Office was so important to non-business users Android tablets and iPads wouldn't be selling as well as they are. So for consumers, Office as the W8 tablet's stand-out feature might not be that big of a draw. To me, $499 for the base Surface RT is way too much for a product in a 1.0 state competing with more mature products (and eco-systems) like iOS and Android. I guess time will tell.

There is a lot to consider in this decision and depends on what you want to do with the tab. I have the prime, infinity and note. (Yes, I am a tablet horder. I'll admit that now, lol) I personally like the Note and find myself using it over the Asus brands. Everything just works on the Note. And works the way it suppose to. Heck, I can't even stream Youtube or .mkv audio over my Asus tabs without the audio getting out of sync. (via Bluetooth Headphones). That is because Asus used some cheaper components in their tabs. Cheaper AzureWave Wifi radios and Cheap io Nand. Yes, the TF700 can stream a little better than the prime, but after awhile they get out of sync and pisses me off. The major thing the TF700 has over the Note is the HD display. The HD display is nice. But, honestly half the time I can't even tell the difference between the Note and TF700. I actually prefer the colors of the Note's PLS display. Plus, its a hit or miss that you will get a HD display that wont suffer from some sort of light bleed. Performance. Well, performance goes back and forth. The Note outshined the TF700 for awhile. But since the TF700 got JB its now seems a little faster than my note. (That is without some major tweaking and rom modifications.) But the Note has the TF700 beat on multitasking. I can't wait to see what the JB update to the Note will do.
Go to the store check them out m8. If the HD is something that is the winning factor and you could care less about BT crap then go for TF700. Buy one. Take it home. Play with it for awhile. Go back trade it in and get other. Make a decision that way. Because its really hard to come on here and ask us. Each of us do different things with the our tabs. Some enjoy some features more than others. That is why the best bet is just go to a store that has a really good return policy. That way you can play around and see what you like more.

I keep hearing ppl saying to wait for winRt instead of getting an android or iPad, and am curious as to what winRT can do that can't be done on an Android or Apple tablet? It was my understanding that winRT would be limited to windows phone esque apps and you would have to get a windows 8/pro for the full experience. I was excited about the Surface when it was announced because i thought i could use all the programs that I'm used too from previous versions of Windows, but that version of the Surface isnt coming out untill later this year right?
I just don't see Windows RT succeeding at the current price point without the legacy support. $250-$300 would be more reasonable IMO.
OP I've seen videos of the Note 10.1 in action and its great, but so is the infinty when it works. If u can hold off until next year, I think Samsung will be releasing a very high res tablet with potentially exynos 5 series cores. I'd get a nexus 7/nook tablet/fire HD while u wait.

I'm running Fedora 17 on a Dell Duo for notebook purposes and it absolutely rocks. Its totally stable, no bugs, surfs great, fast, multi tasking, etc. Its an amazing combination for a netbook. The only thing it doesn't have a lot of is video power. Its definitely not a gamer in that regard.
The Duo came with Vista. SSSLLLLOOOOWWW. Touch a link and wait and wait and wait. It didn't even surf well. Its outright fast with Fedora and Fedora is improving with every release. Its way faster surfing with the Duo than the Infinity. Firefox works way better on the Duo than it does on the Infinity.
KDE 4.9 is a really nice desktop and tools like Libre Office or whatever its called are pretty nice these days. I chuckle to myself every time I realize I have the power of Linux in such a small device.
I got my Infinity to see what I was missing in Android land and to get a tablet that I can read in a car or outside. The Duo screen is almost invisible in anything near daylight.
I'm impressed by the Infinity hardware. The screen rocks, the GPS is good, etc. I am not impressed with Android itself. Its a poor, poor cousin to Linux, for example.
I wouldn't own another tablet without the IPS+ screen. ASUS should be releasing the 600 and 810 models later this month and the 600 might have an 11.6" IPS+ screen on it. It will be running WIndows 8. I'd get a 600 in a heartbeat and put Linux on it. I might do that anyway and retire my Duo. I'll keep my Infinity for around the house and in the car purposes. Its so convenient for browsing, which is about all I ever use it for, right now at least.
My wife has a Sony laptop with Win 7 on it. Her laptop before that had Vista. As far as Windows goes, are you kidding me ? I totally fail to see the attraction. And I pay about $100 for that crap every time I buy a device and install Linux on it.

[Q] Best laptop replacing tablets

Hi Everyone,
I wanted to gather people's thoughts on the best tablets currently out, or due out in the coming 3 months, that would be viable laptop replacing options.
I am currently in this situation, where I want to purchase a tablet and sell my Macbook 13". I travel a lot and a tablet would be very useful because of it's size, portability and the fact that my Macbook is from 2008, so an update is about due I think!
Currently I use my laptop for :
- Browsing the internet
- Occasional listening to music (Use my phone more though)
- Occasional word editing (however, not that often to be honest)
- Transferring photo's from my camera (Sony NEX-6), viewing photo's and occasionally doing minor editing of said photo's
So as you can see, my usage is fairly limited these days. A good screen is of importance to be because of the photo's, as well as watching movies whilst travelling.
Operating system is not a massive deal, I've used all three. I got bored of IOS after I had the iPhone 3GS for a while, then moved to Android (currently using). I've also played around with Windows 8. All have there own advantages and disadvantages.
I have to say, even though most things I say about Apple these days is negative (I feel they've stalled quite a bit in the past 2 years), the Ipad probably still has the best look and feel, but I'm not sure if I would grow bored again with it's tired and outdated looking operating system? I love the photo options and journal options though!
Android is more customisable, I still find new ways to keep myself entertained on my HTC Sensation, thanks to amazing developers, but would a tablet just be an enlarged phone for me then? Would this become unappealing?
Windows 8 looks lovely, it's a fresh faced interface, something new and shiny! It's great fun to play with, but the current Windows RT version is quite limited I'm not sure it's worth gamling on any of the current lineup of Windows Tablets, perhaps not until they get to there second generation at least.
So what would everyone top choice be for a laptop replacing tablet? Personally, I would want something within the same budget as the iPad 4 or less. But, would love to see opinions for any value!
Mike

I don't have experience with the Windows tablets, but the Transformer Infinity - TF700, is a great choice in the Android department. The keyboard dock allows for easy document-editing when you want it, but without being stuck with it.
The older versions of the Transformer line can still offer good performance - not sure what your budget is. You can use bluetooth keyboards with other tablets, and that's an idea, but the integration on the Transformer line is great. Since I built a desktop, I have largely stopped using my laptop and have replaced it with one of the Transformer tablets. With Flash and Drive and office software it does everything I needed my laptop for now that I have a desktop for the video games that require a bit of oomph (and I'm enjoying the gaming on the tablet as well - something I never really got into on my phone).
Not sure how your camera works for transferring photos, but the TF series docks have full-size USB ports and a full-size SD card reader (as well as the microSD slot in the tablet). I have hooked an external hard-drive up to it and all went well.

Pennycake said:
I don't have experience with the Windows tablets, but the Transformer Infinity - TF700, is a great choice in the Android department. The keyboard dock allows for easy document-editing when you want it, but without being stuck with it.
The older versions of the Transformer line can still offer good performance - not sure what your budget is. You can use bluetooth keyboards with other tablets, and that's an idea, but the integration on the Transformer line is great. Since I built a desktop, I have largely stopped using my laptop and have replaced it with one of the Transformer tablets. With Flash and Drive and office software it does everything I needed my laptop for now that I have a desktop for the video games that require a bit of oomph (and I'm enjoying the gaming on the tablet as well - something I never really got into on my phone).
Not sure how your camera works for transferring photos, but the TF series docks have full-size USB ports and a full-size SD card reader (as well as the microSD slot in the tablet). I have hooked an external hard-drive up to it and all went well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've done quite a bit of research on the TF700, I even came close to committing, however I've just read about too many issues with the I/O and internal memory performance that has put me right off. It seems to be a problem for almost every owner I've encountered. I love the look and style of the tablet, also the connectivity and battery are brilliant. But I want something with excellent performance and I think this is outdated already in that regard. The fact that you have to void your warranty to root it and then install a ROM to make it smooth is a worry.
I was hoping Asus came up with an update to it at CES, but it seems this won't be happening.

The TF700 and the Nexus 10 are the two I consistently hear people say are the best and the fastest right now. I'm not sure about the N10 as laptop replacement, it seems like for that or a tablet without a dock that you'd have to do so many work-arounds that you might look into an ultrabook instead. It would try my patience, but I suppose it's personal preference what you're willing to do and put up with.

I'd recommend you take a look at the Surface RT tablet. It is not anything like as limited as you might think and it would meet pretty much all your requirements. I have one and for most purposes I have stopped carrying a full-on laptop and just take the Surface.
There is also the Pro coming out this month - it would be over your budget but actually is a genuine laptop replacement. There was a review of it on the Verge yesterday.

Inadorel said:
I'd recommend you take a look at the Surface RT tablet. It is not anything like as limited as you might think and it would meet pretty much all your requirements. I have one and for most purposes I have stopped carrying a full-on laptop and just take the Surface.
There is also the Pro coming out this month - it would be over your budget but actually is a genuine laptop replacement. There was a review of it on the Verge yesterday.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wish I could have a play with one in a store... Hopefully soon. What is the screen like? This is an important aspect for me. It doesn't need to be as good as the Nexus 10 for example, but a HD screen would be a minimum I think for me.

Maybe the thinkpad tablet 2 could be a good choice for you. It has win8 pro, is beautifull and light. So no RT limits, no IOS boaringnes, real USB port, HDMI port and a good display.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda premium

olarf said:
Maybe the thinkpad tablet 2 could be a good choice for you. It has win8 pro, is beautifull and light. So no RT limits, no IOS boaringnes, real USB port, HDMI port and a good display.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Looks quite nice. Concerned about the battery life being reported on most of the Windows tablets though? As i'll be travelling quite a bit, this could present an issue?

Hi guys, is the Lumia series of Nokia can be an option to replace a laptop computer?

Anyone else have any thoughts?

I recommend Nexus 10 is way to go especially when your priority is photos. Ipad could be the best choice, but if you want to enjoy quality with reasonable price, Nexus 10 won't disappoint you.

lkirra said:
Hi guys, is the Lumia series of Nokia can be an option to replace a laptop computer?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No comment
Sent from my GT-S5360 using Tapatalk 2

Magnector said:
I recommend Nexus 10 is way to go especially when your priority is photos. Ipad could be the best choice, but if you want to enjoy quality with reasonable price, Nexus 10 won't disappoint you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is probably my top choice right now, although I'm in the UK, so have to wait until they are back in stock to even consider it... I don't have to rush out and get something luckily, I can probably hold off until around May / June before I will have to buy. So it might be worth me waiting as there are bound to be some new releases by then. Hopefully a few Tegra 4 devices start showing themselves by then.

Mikeparakh said:
Looks quite nice. Concerned about the battery life being reported on most of the Windows tablets though? As i'll be travelling quite a bit, this could present an issue?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So far all tests talking about 10 hours of serious use. I get one tomorrow so soon i can tell you if 10h is a fact.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda premium

olarf said:
So far all tests talking about 10 hours of serious use. I get one tomorrow so soon i can tell you if 10h is a fact.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd really appreciate that, thanks! Is it the Surface RT you've bought?

No the thinkpad tablet2 with win8 pro. So far it is great but still loading so i have no idea about Akku durance. Soon i have
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda premium

I have a Surface RT, and it gets the job done pretty well. I know some people still complain about a "lack of apps" on the Windows RT platform, but it hasn't been an issue for me - IE10 as a browser and Office (just Word, PPT, Excel, and OneNote, of course) comprise most of my use.
I get between 7.5 and 9 hours of battery life out of the device, depending on what I'm doing. On average, it'll get me through about a day and a half of classes - that's three hours each day, plus about 1.5 hours of additional use outside of that on each day (until the battery runs out after usually 8 or so hours). It charges really fast, though - I don't often have to charge it for much more than an hour to nearly fill the battery. A full recharge from a dead batter will probably take you 2 hours, though.
About the only thing I miss on it is the ability to run some programming interfaces (Python, Java, etc.), but with that fancy new jailbreak tool this may be changing - they've already ported most of Python 2.7, for example. I'd heartily recommend the Surface, given both its advantages and shortcomings.

MacBook replacement?
Mikeparakh said:
I'd really appreciate that, thanks! Is it the Surface RT you've bought?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you purchased a replacement for the MacBook? Would love to get your thoughts.

Best computing options for general use
Mikeparakh said:
Hi Everyone,
I wanted to gather people's thoughts on the best tablets currently out, or due out in the coming 3 months, that would be viable laptop replacing options.
I am currently in this situation, where I want to purchase a tablet and sell my Macbook 13". I travel a lot and a tablet would be very useful because of it's size, portability and the fact that my Macbook is from 2008, so an update is about due I think!
Currently I use my laptop for :
- Browsing the internet
- Occasional listening to music (Use my phone more though)
- Occasional word editing (however, not that often to be honest)
- Transferring photo's from my camera (Sony NEX-6), viewing photo's and occasionally doing minor editing of said photo's
So as you can see, my usage is fairly limited these days. A good screen is of importance to be because of the photo's, as well as watching movies whilst travelling.
Operating system is not a massive deal, I've used all three. I got bored of IOS after I had the iPhone 3GS for a while, then moved to Android (currently using). I've also played around with Windows 8. All have there own advantages and disadvantages.
I have to say, even though most things I say about Apple these days is negative (I feel they've stalled quite a bit in the past 2 years), the Ipad probably still has the best look and feel, but I'm not sure if I would grow bored again with it's tired and outdated looking operating system? I love the photo options and journal options though!
Android is more customisable, I still find new ways to keep myself entertained on my HTC Sensation, thanks to amazing developers, but would a tablet just be an enlarged phone for me then? Would this become unappealing?
Windows 8 looks lovely, it's a fresh faced interface, something new and shiny! It's great fun to play with, but the current Windows RT version is quite limited I'm not sure it's worth gamling on any of the current lineup of Windows Tablets, perhaps not until they get to there second generation at least.
So what would everyone top choice be for a laptop replacing tablet? Personally, I would want something within the same budget as the iPad 4 or less. But, would love to see opinions for any value!
Mike
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For general use like web surfing , email, youtube and netflix watching with a little gaming to pass the time away I would say a tablet ( your choice ) . If its for all that plus working in office regularly along with photo editing and such I would say a laptop . You can get them from basic like an i5 or i7 or even a Celeron or pentium based ones to almost as powerful as a desktop ( Razer , Alienware , MSI, are all gaming laptops and workstations like thinkpads and such and are very powerful ) If you will be doing anything harder like working in CAD or developing or 4k video editing and exporting although many laptops can do these you would be better suited using a desktop , (the CPU , ram , mother board components will be more robust and able to keep cool longer under load than in a laptop). Tablets like the iPad or android tablets are great to pass the time away , are capable to play games or watch videos on and for many people is all the computer they need . I only used my iPad for 3 years ( before that I ran several windows pcs , 4 Macs, and a linux desktop running all the programs I used in my computer repair business ) until I got my MacBook but honestly with what I do on the laptop now the iPad did just as well . I am retired now so my time on the laptop is nothing like what I had done for many years before ( since 1994).

Buy TF700 or wait?

Hello, I want to get a new tablet (currently using and android'ed Touchpad still), and HD resolution is important to me. I've been keeping an eye on the TF700 and now have a chance to grab one for about $345 new. But I know some newer HD tablets were announced at CES and are on the horizon for some time (but I don't think pricing has been announced). At this point should I just hold off to see what is coming, or at that price am I safe to grab the TF700 and be happy for a while to come.
My primary uses will be reading Comics, web browsing, and 720p videos/movies.
Thanks to any help!

6 months ago I would have said buy but today I would wait. The lag issue is a pia (at least if you stick with stock rom) and there are some new hd tablets comming out in the next 3-6 months. The only thing i don't know is if they will have sd slots (which is a must for me but appears to be a nono to google).
mattbooty said:
Hello, I want to get a new tablet (currently using and android'ed Touchpad still), and HD resolution is important to me. I've been keeping an eye on the TF700 and now have a chance to grab one for about $345 new. But I know some newer HD tablets were announced at CES and are on the horizon for some time (but I don't think pricing has been announced). At this point should I just hold off to see what is coming, or at that price am I safe to grab the TF700 and be happy for a while to come.
My primary uses will be reading Comics, web browsing, and 720p videos/movies.
Thanks to any help!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

jake21 said:
6 months ago I would have said buy but today I would wait. The lag issue is a pia (at least if you stick with stock rom) and there are some new hd tablets comming out in the next 3-6 months. The only thing i don't know is if they will have sd slots (which is a must for me but appears to be a nono to google).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for response, I have no issue modding to a different rom, I've done it on other tablets / phones before (heck I'm using a touchpad modded from webOS to android now anyways). But if modding it doesn't help much then that is a concern.
My other concern was the newer tablets will be priced again in the 400-500 range, or the lower priced HD tablets will have specs worse than the transformer already has.

mattbooty said:
Thank you for response, I have no issue modding to a different rom, I've done it on other tablets / phones before (heck I'm using a touchpad modded from webOS to android now anyways). But if modding it doesn't help much then that is a concern.
My other concern was the newer tablets will be priced again in the 400-500 range, or the lower priced HD tablets will have specs worse than the transformer already has.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My honest opinion, it's very hard to find a FULLY LOADED TABLET like tf700 with the highest resolution screen. If you willing to unlock to use custom rom. I would say YES 100%.

buhohitr said:
My honest opinion, it's very hard to find a FULLY LOADED TABLET like tf700 with the highest resolution screen. If you willing to unlock to use custom rom. I would say YES 100%.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your opinion. I pulled the trigger. Worse case if I'm really unhappy I will return it before I unlock it.
Thanks for advice!!!!

mattbooty said:
Thanks for your opinion. I pulled the trigger. Worse case if I'm really unhappy I will return it before I unlock it.
Thanks for advice!!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
smart decision!!! bravo!

I bought mine on ebay for 350$ used, well worth it, beautiful screen and nice speed, glad you bought it, 345$ new is nuts, is that a ebay deal or?

Well today there are two alternatives; the acer and nexus 10. The acer is not a bad tablet but it runs a bit warmer and I think it has shorter battery life ( you should check reviews; it's been a while since i've read them). The nexus 10 biggest con is no sd slot but the recent mobiltech - http://www.mobiletechreview.com/tablets/Google-Nexus-10.htm - was over the top positive if you don't need an that sd slot.
-
I'm not unhappy I have the tf700 but the lag thing is a major headache when updating or browsing a lot of web pages and given the price point of the tablet it is a bit downer.
-
Anyways I'll probably stick with it another year and then pick up a 13inch ultra-book (sub 3lb) with 1080p screen.

Yeah I agree be wise to wait. The new Sony, Samsung, Visio etc.. coming out.

I think you should wait ! I own the tf700 and I'm not pleased with it mostly because of the lag and random reboots. Sony announced an HD tablet that seems to be a good one. Anyway you should wait until MWC in Barcelona at the end of next month before you make up your mind.

L_o_k_i said:
I think you should wait ! I own the tf700 and I'm not pleased with it mostly because of the lag and random reboots. Sony announced an HD tablet that seems to be a good one. Anyway you should wait until MWC in Barcelona at the end of next month before you make up your mind.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But Sony announces great things and releases them 6 months after everyone else. That's why their phone sales are in the toilet. They just came out with a new one, nice phone, but it is about the same as a one x, which came out about 9 months ago. I will also admit the lag issue, but still the best one out there, the screen is amazing.

Arguments for the TF700:
- Screen! 1920*1200.
- Screen. 700 nits brightness and great contrast. Almost twice as bright as an iPad 3.
- Keyboard dock. With additional battery and USB.
- microSD card slot, and full size SD card slot in the dock.
- It looks great.
Arguments against the TF700:
- Lag. Slow internal eMMC. (can be worked around with custom ROMs, but not fully solved.)
- Unlocking to install custom ROMs voids your warranty!
- Unlocking is a lottery, and you still can't replace the bootloader on an unlocked device. (the unlocking tool simply does not work for some people and they get no help from Asus.)
- Somewhat unstable, occasional random reboots, hangs with white screen.
- Build quality issues - people report the docking mechanism breaking, light bleed, screen getting loose.
- Only 1 GB RAM and old (for 2013) Tegra 3 SoC.
- Some software that works on other tablets is not available for the TF700.
- Loudspeaker isn't great.

Some folks are replying without seeming to have read the other comments beyond the first. The OP has already made a move on the TF700T.
For the OP's needs "reading Comics, web browsing, and 720p videos/movie", the TF700T is more than suitable.
No doubt the N10 has higher performance, but at the cost of far worse battery life. And you don't really need an N10 for "reading Comics, web browsing, and 720p videos/movie". I guess you don't "need" a TF700T for that either. Lower ranking devices could fit that bill just fine.
But considering the OP has purchased aTF700T, I think they'll enjoy it.
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T using Tapatalk HD

Darnell_Chat_TN said:
Some folks are replying without seeming to have read the other comments beyond the first. The OP has already made a move on the TF700T.
For the OP's needs "reading Comics, web browsing, and 720p videos/movie", the TF700T is more than suitable.
No doubt the N10 has higher performance, but at the cost of far worse battery life. And you don't really need an N10 for "reading Comics, web browsing, and 720p videos/movie". I guess you don't "need" a TF700T for that either. Lower ranking devices could fit that bill just fine.
But considering the OP has purchased aTF700T, I think they'll enjoy it.
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T using Tapatalk HD
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly, the N10 is nice and all, but I couldn't live without my MicroSD card, the OP will enjoy it a lot, the 1080p screen look brilliant with movies and text, and you can store tons of movies on a microsd

I just got my Infinity 64GB about 2 weeks ago. I'm pretty pleased with it so far. I have noticed a bit of lag on the web, but it's not horrible. I'm sure a fix will eventually come out for it. I don't see it staying that way forever. I'd probably like to eventually root it, but I get totally confused when reading the instructions on how to. I've only rooted my HTC Thunderbolt and that was a pretty in depth task.
I have noticed the little black line thing here and there but it's not too bad either. I figure a fix will come out for that as well.
I will say with 64GB I was able to load 13 High Quality (about 3 - 6gb each) movies on this thing and it works great! Think I might try knocking the quality down of the movie to a smaller file size so I can load a lot more on here. Just haven't found a ripper/compressor that I like that can create ripped movies without a lot of artifacting...
I'd say the most bothersome thing I've noticed with this tablet is the Light Bleed... however it's only noticed during a completely black screen. It's always got the factory warranty, plus I purchased a 3 year Square Trade warranty along with it so I'm good until 2016 with this bad boy.

This is a pretty interesting tablet coming out...
http://www.androidcentral.com/sony-announces-quad-core-10-inch-tablet-z
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}

mattbooty said:
and now have a chance to grab one for about $345 new.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm always on the look out for my GF, she's in the market for a tablet. Where'd you find your deal?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda app-developers app

Do it if you are comfortable unlocking, flashing trwp, and installing Clean ROM. After doing so my tab is smoother than ipad4 at my work. New tablets may be coming out but i doubt they have a comprehensive KB dock as good as this one. Screen is better than retina display and other HD tableys bc of IPS+, screen brightness is as important as res due to glare issues, IPS+ is great for combatting this, and i have yet to see another device with super IPS+. The screen goes to 600 nits of brightness rather than 300-350, which is the highest ive ever seen in any tablet or laptop. The range of brightness settings is also badass, you can go to incresibly low to incredibly high, which is great but often unmentioned.
I have actually replaced my laptop and desktop with tf700. Since buying and flashing CROMI i have never touched my laptop/desktop. My workflow is better on this bc of gesture/KB dock combination. I couldnt be happier.
Plus the tf700 is a sexy fckin beast, nothing else out there looks as badass. The mfctring quality is sick. I have dropped mine from around 5 ft off the ground onto concrete on pretty much every edge of this device and it is still working as well as when i bought it. Slid off my kitchen table onto tile floor directly onto the creen and slid about 5 feet, yet the screen doesnt have a single scratch. GO TF700 lol.

If you don't need the keyboard dock. Then jump on the Nexus 10. But if you are planning to use the tf700 and rooting with a flashing rom. Pull the trigger. Tf700 rooted is a beast of a tablet. And just provides so much functionality with the dock. I mean extra battery, sd slots, usb slots. The full package.

Its never to late to RETURN IT! And you will find there are now some that have unlocked it had to send it back and Asus will not fix it even though it was a hard ware problem. I had just bought one a week ago. Would not even turn on. Just look at all the new stuff coming out some in just weeks others a few months. Better to wait. I am

Considering a Surface RT

Hi Surface Owners!
I am still debating which tablet to get and have recently included the Surface in the list. Of the current crop of tablets available, it's between the Nexus 10 and Surface RT. I'm not sure what will be announced at MWC, but i'll keep an eye out obviously.
I wanted to get your advice, as most of the people reading will own a surface. How do you find it now a few months on from release?
I will be selling my Macbook, so my new tablet is going to be my go to for the time being. I will be going travelling for several months, so this will be it's main use. I am wanting something that I can connect either my camera or SD card to so I can download photo's on to the device but also from the device to an external HDD. Obviously using it for entertainment will be a big thing, as well as to plan out parts of our journey and using the internet. I wouldn't mind if I could do some very minor photo editing also. Can anyone let me know what the photo app is like on the device, also if there are any decent photo apps on the marketplace.
So the surface looks like a winner in terms of the USB and SD card slots, making it easier to connect whilst travelling. But the Nexus wins on the screen and probably power. I used Android already on my phone so am used to it, but I quite like the interface on Windows 8 as it's something new. Android and IOS get a bit boring after a long time...
Any advice would be greatly appreciated. If anyone owns both tablets it would be great to hear your thoughts also.
Cheers,
Mike

Surface RT is my current ultra-portable computer, and it works well for that so long as it's not all that I have for an extended time. I miss the stylus that my old tablet had (an advantage of the Surface Pro) but do not find that, for example, the kickstand of the RT makes it hard to use on my lap (the way some reviewers have claimed). I have the Touch Cover (and am in fact writing this on it); it works great and you can type quite quickly and with perfect touch-typing muscle memory after a short time of using it.
Prior to the Surface RT, my most portable computer was an old Core 2 Duo ULV (1.2GHz) HP tablet, with a stylus but no touchscreen, 12" screen with 1280x800 resolution, 5 hours battery life (when new), 4GB of RAM (came with 1GB, upgraded immediately), an 80gb 4200RPM 1.8" magnetic hard disk, and 3.5lb weight. I loved it. Still use it, actually; it runs Win8 quite well aside from not being able to use Metro snapping. However, in almost every way possible, the Surface Pro blows it away. For less than the cost of old HP tablet (which was about $1500 new), I can upgrade the C2D to a quad-core chip with over twice the speed per core, I can upgrade the digitizer and add multitouch, I can trade in the 12" screen for one with far higher DPI, I can massively improve the storage by going solid-state instead of rotational (and can get 128GB), and I can keep the 5 hour battery life. The things I would lose are the ability to upgrade the RAM (4GB is a bit low, IMO) and storage (not that I ever did upgrade the old 1.8" drive) and the replaceable battery (I'll live). Oh, and swapping full SD for MicroSD and 2 USB 2.0 ports for a single USB 3.0 port, which means I'll probably want to get a hub. Still, it's tempting, and I may well buy myself one even though right now I don't really need it.

I have a Surface RT and use it as my portable device when I don't want to lug around my ultrabook. For some context, I have an iPad and an ASUS Transformer TF-101 as well. Prior to the Surface RT, I used the Transformer for that. But the lack of things that were important to me made the RT the go-to device when it came out.
For me, things like the USB port, MicroSD card, and Microsoft Office were important. Even more important was the built-in support for Bitlocker, so my MicroSD card can be encrypted at all times and easily read by my other Windows 8 machines. And my other external USB hard drives that are also encrypted can be easily opened by the Surface RT. Native VPN client and RDP helps with work as well (I know there are ways to do this with the other tablets).
I have the apps that I need at this point. I'm not a big social media person, so I can't speak to the apps for those things. But there are enough apps of interest to me that keep me satisfied. Can't speak to the photo apps, however. I don't take photos with it, though I have taken video and those were good.
Overall, I'm very happy with the RT. I got it with the Touch Cover and I can actually type fairly well on it. (I've actually had questions from iPad owners asking about the keyboard, if it was available for their devices.)
I had considered waiting for the Surface Pro, but the extra size and weight, plus the shorter battery life (I get great battery life with the RT, BTW), were concerns for me. I could just as well take my ultrabook (had an Asus Zenbook, now a Sony VAIO T13), which is quite a bit faster than the Surface Pro.
For what it's worth.

You can browse the store from any web browser:
http://www.windowsphone.com/en-us/store
For your use cases:
> I am wanting something that I can connect either my camera or SD card to so I can download photo's on to the device but also from the device to an external HDD.
You will be able to do that so long as your camera doesn't need extra drivers to show up (as a USB store) or you use a USB reader for the removable media.
> Obviously using it for entertainment will be a big thing, as well as to plan out parts of our journey and using the internet.
Great web browser. Can play most video, Audio...
> I wouldn't mind if I could do some very minor photo editing also.
Check the store...
> Can anyone let me know what the photo app is like on the device, also if there are any decent photo apps on the marketplace.
The built in photo app is pretty basic.
I would expect you could get by with the surface rt - get the 64gb one, and get a 64gb card...
I took one on a week cruise (along with a netbook for backup) and was able to use just the surface for the whole trip, including dumping GoPro video and digital camera shots to the surface and then onto an external USB disk.

Thanks for the advice guys, much appreciated.
Just a quick note, I meant gallery app, to look and browse / organise your photos, not the camera app to take photos. I laugh when I see people taking photos with there tablet ha ha. I like the way the ipad shows your photos by map, gallery and a journal function for example.
Sent from my HTC Sensation using xda app-developers app

Mikeparakh said:
Thanks for the advice guys, much appreciated.
Just a quick note, I meant gallery app, to look and browse / organise your photos, not the camera app to take photos. I laugh when I see people taking photos with there tablet ha ha. I like the way the ipad shows your photos by map, gallery and a journal function for example.
Sent from my HTC Sensation using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Photo album app that comes with the RT is very basic. You may want to check out apps in the store that have more functionality.

Mikeparakh said:
look and browse
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep
/ organise your photos
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope.
Really basic. Grid of photos, or slideshow/swipe browse full screen. That's what you get.

What you are saying about getting bored with the other operating systems is exactly why I made Surface my choice. I've been playing with android for the last 7 years. And thanks to all the devs here at xda I was able to make all of my devices do exactly what I wanted.. But it was time for something totally different. I made the right decision. To be honest, at the beginning, learning the new ui was frustrating! :crying: Because I was having trouble finding things and when I did it didn't seem be consistent through the ui.... After about 3 days it all started to come together very well... you'll find that the system is actually set up quite well. I found everything I needed in the store. I'm very pleased with the purchase.

So any 2.5" hard drive will work with the Surface RT? Wow, I'm a bit surprised here. I thought there might not be enough power to power up a hard drive. Is the USB port capable of supporting a USB hub? My plan is to connect at least a 2-port USB hub, and transfer photos from my camera to the portable hard drive. If the Surface RT can do that, then I may not need to consider the Surface Pro even though it have USB 3.0.
---------- Post added at 01:49 AM ---------- Previous post was at 01:47 AM ----------
Mikeparakh said:
Thanks for the advice guys, much appreciated.
Just a quick note, I meant gallery app, to look and browse / organise your photos, not the camera app to take photos. I laugh when I see people taking photos with there tablet ha ha. I like the way the ipad shows your photos by map, gallery and a journal function for example.
Sent from my HTC Sensation using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree with you and that's what I love about the iOS photo app. Does anyone here know of a photo app for Windows RT that can show my photos base on its location data?

So, all in all, are people happy with the device? What are the major issues to be concerned with, if any?

No major issues.
For the same price in Canada, the Asus ME400 offers Windows 8 x86 so I went with that due to needing Java/Cisco for remote connectivity to work. I did not regret owning surface. There was nothing majorly wrong with it, I loved the full USB port (which the Asus does not have). Surface RT use s a proprietary charger vs the Asus which uses micro-usb charger. Surface charges faster.
If the app you want is not in the app store, or you need drivers for your devices, that could be a problem. Note that Surface RT does not offer a full size SD card slot, only a micro. You can't put your camera card directly into Surface unless you are using microsd.
Build quality is top notch, the kickstand is great, battery life is very good, and Windows RT is pretty slick.

USB hubs work, but unless you use a powered hub (and power it from the wall or another source), you're still going to be limited by the relatively meager power of the Surface RT's single USB port. It's enough for a 2.5" disk of at least 5400 RPM (haven't tried 7200 RPM yet) but funning (for example) a mouse and a hard drive off of it might be too much.

It's sounding pretty positive so far! I keep reading reviews though and none seem to be great! But I think most of the companies doing the reviews are stuck half way up Apple's ass.
I keeping an eye on a few auctions ending on Ebay tonight, to see if I can pick up a bargain, fingers crossed! If not, I will probably purchase one from John Lewis over the next two weeks.
I've read a few sites that think Microsoft will drop the price on the RT soon, do you think this will happen? All speculation I guess, no one really knows..
The other thing is, they don't seem to hold there value well. Where as the Nexus 10, you could almost make money on if you decided to sell due to it being hard to get.

Mikeparakh said:
It's sounding pretty positive so far! I keep reading reviews though and none seem to be great!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They expected an iPad with a windows logo. They got a Windows tablet instead. Coupled with the need to dogpile on the new UI, and as you said the large number of Apple Experts With Very Short Memories, and the review effect isn't shocking.

I have a Surface RT and I love it! I use it for nearly everything. I use remote desktop or team viewer for anything that requires x86 apps.
Its brilliant to use around the house! my wife has her Nexus 7 and has to switch between that and her laptop every so often while I just use the Surface.
When my laptop dies which wont be long (though it could be longer as I don't use it now) then I plan on getting a Surface Pro. The build quality of it (Surface RT) is outstanding. I had an issue with the touch cover, contacted Surface support and they were amazing, got a new touch cover no questions asked and in quick time, reported the issue at around 1400 and got the new one at around 1300 the following day! I cant recommend it enough. Everyone I show it is impressed with near enough everything it can do, the only downside is that not all the apps I used to use on Android are available, but Android is coming up to its 5th Birthday in October and that will be 1 year of Win RT.
25'879 are in the Windows Store as of writing and if, this is a big if, Microsoft can some how link the WP store and the WinRT store then it has massive potential.
I only wish that Microsoft really pushed hard on getting these into people hands. In the UK John Lewis is a very repeatable store but that is the only brick and mortar place you can get one. In nearly every store I go these day there is a gadget area selling iPads and Androids, come on Microsoft lets have you back at the top of the tech tree, where you were when you bailed out Apple!

So I've gone ahead an purchased. I managed to get a bargain! £425 for a brand new Surface RT 64GB with black touch cover! Hopefully will arrive tomorrow, fingers crossed. Really want a blue touch cover, so might sell the black and get a blue.
Anything I should know before I first switch on and setup?

After some more usage with the RT, I'm quite liking it. There's definitely lag, especially on games. "Rat On A Snowboard" even lags and there's nothing even going on with that! Something isn't right and a Tegra3 should be able to at least handle ROAS.
Otherwise, "Mobile.HD" works brilliantly so that's a major plus. I've got the UK Netflix showing on my Metro UI, and then I can access the US Netflix using the browser so very pleased with that. "Pow!" seems decent for comics. "Tome" for Goodreads.
But the games really are a letdown. Hardly any decent games and what ones are there run very poorly. I realise it's not an iPad and that'd be more suited for games etc but the Tegra3 works great on the Nexus 7 and it's just not working right in the RT. Whether that's due to the Nexus 7 using all of the Tegra3 cores and the RT not using them all, or whether it's poor coding, or a problem with RT itself, I haven't got a clue. But it's not as fluid as it could/should be.

Surface RT
Again in context I have laptop Dell Duo Flip screen. Nexus 7, Playbook 64gb ( I like gadgets). I was considering a Surface RT or Surface Pro.
But I ended up with a RM Slate 100 (EXOPC) 2gb Memory, 32gb mini pe ssd card (also spare slot for second ssd card or gps unit, 2 usb ports full size, HDMI out, SD Card slot (I added 32gb 45mb sec) 11.6 inch screen I upgraded to Windows 8 Pro. in all it cost me £180 pounds.
it was a gamble but the result is a very capable Surface Pro look alike. Any wireless keyboard will work when needed. Linked to my Nexus with a mouse and keyboard simulator it works great through plasma TV via HDMI. Skydrive adds another 48gb storage, dropbox for moving files around.
Added bonus Android for X86 works as well from SD Card .
Boot time 20 sec with Office 2010 loaded. Program start times ready to go Word 3 sec, Excel 1.8 sec, Outlook 4.5 sec, Paintshop Pro X5 31 sec.
Any one else put together a surface pro look alike.
How does a Surface compare.

I have the Asus VIVO Tab RT which uses same OS. I love it as an ultra portable tablet/laptop but one thing I really hate is the browser. I just hate IE10 on Windows 8/Windows RT and wish Chrome or Firefox would release a browser for RT.

I just received my Surface RT 64GB with a black touch cover. First impressions are fantastic! I love the look and feel of the device. Just from setting it up, i'm amazed at just how responsive the touch cover is! I think I'll get used to it very quickly. Doing the updates now so haven't played much, but very happy thus far! Still would like a blue touch cover though!