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School me on Tablets (2016)

Posted: Mon Jan 25, 2016 6:43 pm
by Weetabix
The last tablet thread I can find was from 2014, and I imagine there's been some movement.

My tablet seems to have crapped out - Samsung Note 8. The charging screen just flashes and won't actually charge the tablet. I've tried multiple cables and wall warts. No joy.

So, what tablets are durable, long-lasting, and reasonably affordable? I'm not much interested in Apple products. My Android stuff should populate a new one OK. It's a business tablet, so it needs to run and rdp program (which should also migrate).

Besides the rdp, I play sudoku and see what my kids are up to on Instagram. I'm not a heavy user. I don't stream anything. I may occasionally read email.

Fire away!

Re: School me on Tablets (2016)

Posted: Mon Jan 25, 2016 8:06 pm
by mekender
IMO, it is hard to go wrong with a Samsung... I own several of them.

Re: School me on Tablets (2016)

Posted: Mon Jan 25, 2016 9:16 pm
by arctictom
Yup love my Samsung 's as well I would just amazon it and get a new Samsung note tablet

Re: School me on Tablets (2016)

Posted: Mon Jan 25, 2016 9:18 pm
by Greg
mekender wrote:IMO, it is hard to go wrong with a Samsung... I own several of them.
Two things with Samsung:

1) Product spam - they put out *so* many different products all with similar names, it's easy to get confused and often difficult to compare and figure out exactly what you want

2) Value scales the wrong way - the higher-end Samsung mobile device you buy, the better the value. Their lower-priced models are *very* poorly spec'ed for what you're paying, the only thing they have going for them is low purchase price.

If you buy a Samsung, don't cheap out.

Re: School me on Tablets (2016)

Posted: Mon Jan 25, 2016 9:25 pm
by Weetabix
I was kind of looking at a Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 8.0" (Wi-Fi) 32GB, Gold (Amazon link) (PC Mag review link)

Is that one cheaping out or OK?

Re: School me on Tablets (2016)

Posted: Mon Jan 25, 2016 9:36 pm
by Weetabix
Now that I'm thinking about it, the S Pen that came with my old one was immensely helpful in the work I had to do as it's much thinner than my fingers.

The old one is a Galaxy Note 8. I like the size.

But now, when I plug the charger in, I get a flickering charge screen, but the battery doesn't take a charge. Maybe some of the schooling could be in whether it's easy enough to try replacing the battery or to diagnose this.

I emailed Samsung customer support but I don't have much hope in getting a respond beyond "Buy a new one."

The 2013 Galaxy Note 8 is available on Amazon for $280. I assume it's new old stock.

Are there newer models of this one?

Re: School me on Tablets (2016)

Posted: Mon Jan 25, 2016 9:53 pm
by rightisright
I'm still happy w. my Samsung Google Nexus 10" that was recommended to me by our forum experts a few years ago.

I use it for picture-heavy customer presentations and it hasn't let me down once. Great viewing angles, too.

GF has a Samsung Tab 4 8" (I think). Screen resolution and picture aren't as nice as mine, but it's perfectly adequate for watching movies, net surfing and emailing, so it suits her fine.

Re: School me on Tablets (2016)

Posted: Mon Jan 25, 2016 11:16 pm
by Rich
My Galaxy Tab 2, 7.0" is still chugging along. I put the obligatory screen protection on a couple of years ago, and it's about ready for a new one. I also installed a fairly thick skin for when it got dropped (about eight times so far) which was well worth the money. I carry it everywhere.

I keep the apps I use often in the main memory, while the ones I'm trying out and my e-books (about 300 so far) reside on the micro-SD/TF card.

About a year ago, it looked like battery problems were starting to surface, so I bought a new battery off Amazon, cracked the case (Google it) and changed the battery. Since then, no problems.
.
Since then, I bought a no-name 10" tablet just to see if I liked the size any better. My decision was "not really".

But your 8" looks promising

Re: School me on Tablets (2016)

Posted: Tue Jan 26, 2016 1:17 am
by randy
Rich wrote:My Galaxy Tab 2, 7.0" is still chugging along.
+1 here. Now that I have a smart phone (finally moved off my Palm Centro after 8 years, first time in 18 years I'm not using a Palm device of some sort), it's back up for the phone for many apps but still my primary reader.

Re: School me on Tablets (2016)

Posted: Tue Jan 26, 2016 8:38 pm
by Weetabix
I youtubed replacing the battery on my Samsung Note 8. Opened it up fine. The battery plug was a bit recalcitrant... then the socket broke. Now, I'm pretty sure it's dead. :o

I think I'll take it to the range. :D

ETA: Any opinions on a new Galaxy Tab S2 vs the 2013 Samsung Note 8 in terms of performance? Price is about the same, but I have a case and keyboard for the Note.

And Greg: I emailed you.