UK diy (uk.d-i-y) For the discussion of all topics related to diy (do-it-yourself) in the UK. All levels of experience and proficency are welcome to join in to ask questions or offer solutions.

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
  #1   Report Post  
Posted to uk.d-i-y
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 4,093
Default Laptop/Tablet?

SWMBO wants to downsize her PC to either a Laptop or a Tablet.

Now obviously both have their upside & downsides, so what we are looking
for is a review or comparison site that compares the two different systems.

We can find plenty of sites that compare each with themselves, but not
one that compares Tablet v Laptop.

Anyone know of such a site?

--
Dave - The Medway Handyman www.medwayhandyman.co.uk

  #2   Report Post  
Posted to uk.d-i-y
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 281
Default Laptop/Tablet?

The Medway Handyman wrote:
SWMBO wants to downsize her PC to either a Laptop or a Tablet.

Now obviously both have their upside & downsides, so what we are looking
for is a review or comparison site that compares the two different systems.

We can find plenty of sites that compare each with themselves, but not
one that compares Tablet v Laptop.

Anyone know of such a site?



They're a bit apples and oranges, i.e., not directly comparable.

What I will say is that since getting an iPad, I fire up the PC a *lot*
less often. The "instant on" capability makes it a much more attractive
device to use 90% of the time. If you do a lot of Office stuff and typing,
a device with proper software and a keyboard will always be better. The
iPad is also a great way of displaying & sharing photos.

Tim
  #3   Report Post  
Posted to uk.d-i-y
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 5,386
Default Laptop/Tablet?

On Sat, 07 Jul 2012 20:15:50 +0100, The Medway Handyman
wrote:

SWMBO wants to downsize her PC to either a Laptop or a Tablet.

Now obviously both have their upside & downsides, so what we are looking
for is a review or comparison site that compares the two different
systems.

We can find plenty of sites that compare each with themselves, but not
one that compares Tablet v Laptop.

Anyone know of such a site?


No - sorry I do not.

To change from any form of PC (desktop or laptop, Windows or OSX or
anything else) to *only* a tablet seems to be unlikely to be satisfactory.
I am aware of the various keyboard options for iPads and Android tablets,
but they still don't really achieve the same usability. And there keep on
being things that simply do not work well within the limitations of an
iPad.

Yes - I have a laptop (two, actually) and an iPad.

Maybe a MacBook Air (or a similar formula Windows ultrabook) would be an
acceptable compromise? Especially if an external monitor is available for
when a large screen may be wanted (even a TV)?

--
Rod
  #4   Report Post  
Posted to uk.d-i-y
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 14,085
Default Laptop/Tablet?

On Sat, 7 Jul 2012 20:41:05 +0100, Tim wrote:

We can find plenty of sites that compare each with themselves, but not
one that compares Tablet v Laptop.


They're a bit apples and oranges, i.e., not directly comparable.


Agreed, I'm looking at the netbook/laptop/tablet thing ATM and coming
down on the side of a small tablet. My use will be email/web and some
document reading (word and pdf) whilst travelling.

I've paid a couple of visits to PC World to have a bit of "hands on" and
that has confirmed my hatred of the touchy mousey thing on
netbook/laptops and the lack of a touch screen annoyed me as well. I have
a feeling that somewhere there is a Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 with my name
on it. The 10" jobbies seem a bit cumbersum in the hand.

It really depends on what she wants to do on it. I can't help thinking
that the screen on laptop is in the wrong place, too close, too low, for
comfort when on a desk. The keyboards are a bit squidged as well I make
use of the seperate arrow keys and insert home delete end, with shift.
Having them buried would be PITA for me for my normal home use.

--
Cheers
Dave.



  #5   Report Post  
Posted to uk.d-i-y
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 3,155
Default Laptop/Tablet?

In article o.uk,
Dave Liquorice wrote:
On Sat, 7 Jul 2012 20:41:05 +0100, Tim wrote:


We can find plenty of sites that compare each with themselves, but not
one that compares Tablet v Laptop.


They're a bit apples and oranges, i.e., not directly comparable.


Agreed, I'm looking at the netbook/laptop/tablet thing ATM and coming
down on the side of a small tablet. My use will be email/web and some
document reading (word and pdf) whilst travelling.


I've paid a couple of visits to PC World to have a bit of "hands on" and
that has confirmed my hatred of the touchy mousey thing on
netbook/laptops and the lack of a touch screen annoyed me as well. I have
a feeling that somewhere there is a Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 with my name
on it. The 10" jobbies seem a bit cumbersum in the hand.


It really depends on what she wants to do on it. I can't help thinking
that the screen on laptop is in the wrong place, too close, too low, for
comfort when on a desk. The keyboards are a bit squidged as well I make
use of the seperate arrow keys and insert home delete end, with shift.
Having them buried would be PITA for me for my normal home use.


I've had a number of laptops over the years, but I agree that lack of a
"full size" keyboard is a drawback. Mind you, some come with a "docking
station" so that you can use them with an external keyboard and monitor. I
almost always plug in an external mouse ( Muji - the japanese run stores -
have a nice small one with an extendable lead for not a lot of pounds).

I've also just bought a tablet but it is a completely different animal.
It didn't take me long to get an external keyboard for it - but that
virtuallly doubles its volume. It does make using it easier, though.
Yesterday, I used it on ebay and got myself a bargain.

It really all depends on what you (or she) is trying to do.

--
From KT24

Using a RISC OS computer running v5.18



  #6   Report Post  
Posted to uk.d-i-y
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 9,369
Default Laptop/Tablet?



"Tim" wrote in message
...

They're a bit apples and oranges, i.e., not directly comparable.

What I will say is that since getting an iPad, I fire up the PC a *lot*
less often. The "instant on" capability makes it a much more attractive
device to use 90% of the time.


My windows machine is instant on, I never shut it down, just close the lid
and it suspends.
Its something apple copied.

BTW its also a 12" touch screen computer with a touch sensitive pen or
finger input and a keyboard and touch pad.

Its also thick enough to actually hold unlike the ipad.

If you do a lot of Office stuff and typing,
a device with proper software and a keyboard will always be better. The
iPad is also a great way of displaying & sharing photos.


Mine works fine for photos, however I have a ~£30 photo frame with built in
batteries that works far better.

I can't really say that there is anything an ipad can do that my windows
machine can't.
OTH my android phone can do most of what an ipad can do.

  #7   Report Post  
Posted to uk.d-i-y
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 281
Default Laptop/Tablet?

"dennis@home" wrote:
"Tim" wrote in message
...

They're a bit apples and oranges, i.e., not directly comparable.

What I will say is that since getting an iPad, I fire up the PC a *lot*
less often. The "instant on" capability makes it a much more attractive
device to use 90% of the time.


My windows machine is instant on, I never shut it down, just close the lid and it suspends.
Its something apple copied.

BTW its also a 12" touch screen computer with a touch sensitive pen or
finger input and a keyboard and touch pad.

Its also thick enough to actually hold unlike the ipad.

If you do a lot of Office stuff and typing,
a device with proper software and a keyboard will always be better. The
iPad is also a great way of displaying & sharing photos.


Mine works fine for photos, however I have a ~£30 photo frame with built
in batteries that works far better.

I can't really say that there is anything an ipad can do that my windows machine can't.
OTH my android phone can do most of what an ipad can do.


What's the GPS like in your computer? Does your PC do augmented reality
overlays?

Tim
  #8   Report Post  
Posted to uk.d-i-y
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 9,369
Default Laptop/Tablet?



"Tim" wrote in message
...


What's the GPS like in your computer?


Its a bluetooth one.

Does your PC do augmented reality
overlays?


Doesn't every computer (with the right software)?
My phone does (with the right software).



  #9   Report Post  
Posted to uk.d-i-y
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 281
Default Laptop/Tablet?

"dennis@home" wrote:
"Tim" wrote in message
...


What's the GPS like in your computer?


Its a bluetooth one.


So not built in then?

Tim
  #10   Report Post  
Posted to uk.d-i-y
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 40,893
Default Laptop/Tablet?



"The Medway Handyman" wrote in message
...
SWMBO wants to downsize her PC to either a Laptop or a Tablet.

Now obviously both have their upside & downsides, so what we are looking
for is a review or comparison site that compares the two different
systems.

We can find plenty of sites that compare each with themselves, but not one
that compares Tablet v Laptop.

Anyone know of such a site?


The important difference is rather obvious.

Tablets don't really work very well if you do much text input.

Corse the better ones can have a proper addon keyboard
but that doesn't really have the convenience of the built in
keyboard you get with a laptop, if you are happy with laptop
keyboards for text entry. I'm not for anything more than trivial stuff.

The fancy tablets like the ipad do stuff like browsing quite differently
to the way its done on laptops with a mouse. Which approach you
prefer isnt really something any comparison site can say, and you
really need to become fluent with the new tablet approach before
even you can really say for yourself too.

The other consideration is whether you are likely to use
the tablet for reading ebooks instead of physical books.
While you can read them on laptops, they arent really
as convenient for that when reading in bed or outside
in the sun etc.



  #11   Report Post  
Posted to uk.d-i-y
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 4,555
Default Laptop/Tablet?

On 07/07/2012 22:20, Tim wrote:
"dennis@home" wrote:
I can't really say that there is anything an ipad can do that my windows machine can't.
OTH my android phone can do most of what an ipad can do.


What's the GPS like in your computer? Does your PC do augmented reality
overlays?


What's the augmented reality all about then (SWMBO got an iPad very
recently)?
David

  #12   Report Post  
Posted to uk.d-i-y
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 40,893
Default Laptop/Tablet?

Lobster wrote
Tim wrote
dennis@home wrote


I can't really say that there is anything an ipad can do that my windows
machine can't. OTH my android phone can do most of what an ipad can do.


What's the GPS like in your computer? Does your PC do augmented reality
overlays?


What's the augmented reality all about then (SWMBO got an iPad very
recently)?


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Augmented_reality

  #13   Report Post  
Posted to uk.d-i-y
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 9,369
Default Laptop/Tablet?



"Lobster" wrote in message
...
On 07/07/2012 22:20, Tim wrote:
"dennis@home" wrote:
I can't really say that there is anything an ipad can do that my windows
machine can't.
OTH my android phone can do most of what an ipad can do.


What's the GPS like in your computer? Does your PC do augmented reality
overlays?


What's the augmented reality all about then (SWMBO got an iPad very
recently)?


It depends on what software you run..

for example I have some software that overlays the satellite positions on
the view from the camera.
you can get driving apps that overlay time/distance on the view in front,
apps that tell you what a landmark is

Its not really new but it is more common now, in the past it cost money to
get access to the databases, now some are free.


  #14   Report Post  
Posted to uk.d-i-y
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 25,191
Default Laptop/Tablet?

On 07/07/2012 20:15, The Medway Handyman wrote:
SWMBO wants to downsize her PC to either a Laptop or a Tablet.

Now obviously both have their upside & downsides, so what we are looking
for is a review or comparison site that compares the two different systems.

We can find plenty of sites that compare each with themselves, but not
one that compares Tablet v Laptop.

Anyone know of such a site?


The difficulty is that they are not really comparable in many ways. Most
tables are very much about content "consumption" rather than creation.
So ideal for surfing the web, watching bits of TV, reading books,
playing the odd games etc, but you probably would not choose to write
book on one, or design your next project in sketchup.

If she is unsure of which camp she falls into, then something like the
ASUS transformer prime would be worth a look (or the new cheaper plastic
version):

http://www.asus.com/Eee/Eee_Pad/Eee_...r_Prime_TF201/

(there are a few comparisons on youtube)


--
Cheers,

John.

/================================================== ===============\
| Internode Ltd - http://www.internode.co.uk |
|-----------------------------------------------------------------|
| John Rumm - john(at)internode(dot)co(dot)uk |
\================================================= ================/


  #15   Report Post  
Posted to uk.d-i-y
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 944
Default Laptop/Tablet?


"The Medway Handyman" wrote in message
...
SWMBO wants to downsize her PC to either a Laptop or a Tablet.

Now obviously both have their upside & downsides, so what we are looking
for is a review or comparison site that compares the two different
systems.

We can find plenty of sites that compare each with themselves, but not one
that compares Tablet v Laptop.

Anyone know of such a site?



As others have said they fullfill two different functions.

If it is truly just a downsizing exercise (you don't say what type of PC and
monitor) then a 'desktop replacement' laptop should do the trick.
Runs the same software, does the same job, takes up a lot less space.
There is less connectivity because of the smaller case, and extending the
capabilities is limited unless you add external devices and then you start
to lose the space saving.
I have used desktop replacement laptops on and off for over a decade both at
home and at work and I have had my currrent Dell XPS M1530 for over 3 years.
I do use an external mouse because I am too heavy handed for the mouse pad

Plenty of online discussion about laptop vs. tablet
http://www.pcadvisor.co.uk/buying-ad...which-is-best/
or
http://www.forbes.com/sites/oreillymedia/2011/10/25/can-your-tablet-replace-your-laptop/

You have to decide which technology you want then start comparing within
that choice.
If you are asking what you seem to be asking then it is a bit like asking
for a site which compares motorbikes with cars.
Both have different strengths and weaknesses, loads of people own both for
different uses, and they are not directly comparable.

So do your analysis - what does SWMBO do on her PC at the moment, what
software does she use, is she reliant on any specialised software packages?
Then look if she can do all this well on a tablet.
If not, this solves your problem.
If yes, then look at where and how she would like to use it.
Tablet is easier on a chair or sofa, or in bed.
Laptop is easier at a table/desk.

So, to answer (finally) the original question.
No - I don't know of any site which compares individual laptops with
individual tablets.

Cheers

Dave R
--
No plan survives contact with the enemy.
[Not even bunny]

Helmuth von Moltke the Elder

(\__/)
(='.'=)
(")_(")



  #16   Report Post  
Posted to uk.d-i-y
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 1,321
Default Laptop/Tablet?

On Jul 7, 8:15*pm, The Medway Handyman
wrote:
SWMBO wants to downsize her PC to either a Laptop or a Tablet.

Now obviously both have their upside & downsides, so what we are looking
for is a review or comparison site that compares the two different systems.

We can find plenty of sites that compare each with themselves, but not
one that compares Tablet v Laptop.


The most obvious difference would be that a lap top can be converted
to use whatever operating system you like.

I don't know if tablets can do the same. It's the most obvious thing
to me. Are you going to be stuck with built in obsolescence?


  #17   Report Post  
Posted to uk.d-i-y
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 4,555
Default Laptop/Tablet?

On 08/07/2012 01:06, John Rumm wrote:
On 07/07/2012 20:15, The Medway Handyman wrote:
SWMBO wants to downsize her PC to either a Laptop or a Tablet.

Now obviously both have their upside & downsides, so what we are looking
for is a review or comparison site that compares the two different
systems.

We can find plenty of sites that compare each with themselves, but not
one that compares Tablet v Laptop.

Anyone know of such a site?


The difficulty is that they are not really comparable in many ways. Most
tables are very much about content "consumption" rather than creation.


That's a very neat summary of the fundamental difference

David
  #18   Report Post  
Posted to uk.d-i-y
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 10,998
Default Laptop/Tablet?

Horses for courses.

do you really want fingermarked Ipads all over the place?

Mind you you can connect keyboards to tablets.

That is just as well, as when you have a real touch typist in the house a
tablet is a complete waste of money... and annoying.
Brian

--
From the Bed of Brian Gaff.
The email is valid as
Blind user.
"The Medway Handyman" wrote in message
...
SWMBO wants to downsize her PC to either a Laptop or a Tablet.

Now obviously both have their upside & downsides, so what we are looking
for is a review or comparison site that compares the two different
systems.

We can find plenty of sites that compare each with themselves, but not one
that compares Tablet v Laptop.

Anyone know of such a site?

--
Dave - The Medway Handyman
www.medwayhandyman.co.uk



  #19   Report Post  
Posted to uk.d-i-y
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 2,701
Default Laptop/Tablet?

On 07/07/2012 21:38, charles wrote:
In article o.uk,
Dave Liquorice wrote:
On Sat, 7 Jul 2012 20:41:05 +0100, Tim wrote:


We can find plenty of sites that compare each with themselves, but not
one that compares Tablet v Laptop.

They're a bit apples and oranges, i.e., not directly comparable.


Agreed, I'm looking at the netbook/laptop/tablet thing ATM and coming
down on the side of a small tablet. My use will be email/web and some
document reading (word and pdf) whilst travelling.


I've paid a couple of visits to PC World to have a bit of "hands on" and
that has confirmed my hatred of the touchy mousey thing on
netbook/laptops and the lack of a touch screen annoyed me as well. I have
a feeling that somewhere there is a Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 with my name
on it. The 10" jobbies seem a bit cumbersum in the hand.


The dead flesh mouse rectangle things are downright annoying. You
generally need an external mouse to stay sane. Only a handful of
portables have mouse substitutes I consider even vaguely adequate.

Minor irritation with tablet devices is the touch screen ends up smeared
with fingerprints. I have both. The tablet gets used a fair amount
casually for looking stuff up on the web from the living room without
going off to the office where my main computer resides.

I would not want to type much into a tablet device...

It really depends on what she wants to do on it. I can't help thinking
that the screen on laptop is in the wrong place, too close, too low, for
comfort when on a desk. The keyboards are a bit squidged as well I make
use of the seperate arrow keys and insert home delete end, with shift.
Having them buried would be PITA for me for my normal home use.


I've had a number of laptops over the years, but I agree that lack of a
"full size" keyboard is a drawback. Mind you, some come with a "docking
station" so that you can use them with an external keyboard and monitor. I
almost always plug in an external mouse ( Muji - the japanese run stores -
have a nice small one with an extendable lead for not a lot of pounds).


You can also have a full size keyboard plugged into USB.

I've also just bought a tablet but it is a completely different animal.
It didn't take me long to get an external keyboard for it - but that
virtuallly doubles its volume. It does make using it easier, though.
Yesterday, I used it on ebay and got myself a bargain.

It really all depends on what you (or she) is trying to do.


Yes. It would help to know how it will be used. Browsing the web almost
anything that will talk to your network is OK but for serious data entry
or photo editing it really matters how good the keyboard, pointing
device and screen size and layout are. I find many laptops these days
have far too fine a pixel pitch for the screen size YMMV.

Certain brands of laptop have annoying customisations that result in
errant behaviour. Notably keyboard lockups and power management suspend
resume issues that can be annoying when peripherals vanish. It is really
very annoying when the keyboard locks up and disables the on-off switch
for instance. Certain older Toshiba models have this feature.

--
Regards,
Martin Brown
  #20   Report Post  
Posted to uk.d-i-y
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 556
Default Laptop/Tablet?

In message , Lobster
wrote
On 08/07/2012 01:06, John Rumm wrote:
On 07/07/2012 20:15, The Medway Handyman wrote:
SWMBO wants to downsize her PC to either a Laptop or a Tablet.

Now obviously both have their upside & downsides, so what we are looking
for is a review or comparison site that compares the two different
systems.

We can find plenty of sites that compare each with themselves, but not
one that compares Tablet v Laptop.

Anyone know of such a site?


The difficulty is that they are not really comparable in many ways. Most
tables are very much about content "consumption" rather than creation.


That's a very neat summary of the fundamental difference


I've have a "media player" that runs the Android operating system. I
like Android on my phone but I don't like it for the media system. It's
an input method thing. Android is ideally suited for a touch screen and
completely unsuited for a remote control (incl. key entry) and a TV.
http://tinyurl.com/co3zuuc

While I don't have a tablet I have a phone that runs Android and a
laptop that runs Windoze. In general, the type of applications or
software I have on the phone are not replicated on the laptop. In fact
many things that work well on the laptop would be extremely clunky on a
phone/tablet.

The other thing to consider when deciding on a laptop/tablet is the
internal storage internal storage and inbuilt capabilities. Will your
usage require the immediately need to add an external hard disk and/or
keyboard and/or CD/DVD player? And can the intended purchase actually
run your favourite existing software.

--
Alan
news2009 {at} admac {dot} myzen {dot} co {dot} uk


  #21   Report Post  
Posted to uk.d-i-y
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 5,386
Default Laptop/Tablet?

On Sat, 07 Jul 2012 20:15:50 +0100, The Medway Handyman
wrote:

SWMBO wants to downsize her PC to either a Laptop or a Tablet.

Now obviously both have their upside & downsides, so what we are looking
for is a review or comparison site that compares the two different
systems.

We can find plenty of sites that compare each with themselves, but not
one that compares Tablet v Laptop.

Anyone know of such a site?


And if she wishes/needs to run Flash player iPad is not a good choice.
(I.e. Flash is basically not available though there are various things
that have been done to allow some Flash to work - e.g. special browser.)

Whilst I hate most Flash, and use a Flash-blocker on PCs, that can be a
problem on some web sites.

--
Rod
  #22   Report Post  
Posted to uk.d-i-y
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 2,040
Default Laptop/Tablet?

On 08/07/2012 00:04, Lobster wrote:

What's the augmented reality all about then


Something inside denise's head?

--
Adrian C



  #23   Report Post  
Posted to uk.d-i-y
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 43,017
Default Laptop/Tablet?

In article o.uk,
Dave Liquorice wrote:
I've paid a couple of visits to PC World to have a bit of "hands on" and
that has confirmed my hatred of the touchy mousey thing on
netbook/laptops


I have a small laptop I use for tuning in my car and others which are
fitted with aftermarket injection. I've never got on with these pads - but
a mouse isn't much use in a car. What would be the best alternative that
you could perhaps hold in one hand and operate with the other - or better
still hold and operate with one hand? Preferably from someone who has
actually used it in this situation. ;-)

--
*Parenthetical remarks (however relevant) are (usually) unnecessary *

Dave Plowman London SW
To e-mail, change noise into sound.
  #24   Report Post  
Posted to uk.d-i-y
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 43,017
Default Laptop/Tablet?

In article ,
The Medway Handyman wrote:
SWMBO wants to downsize her PC to either a Laptop or a Tablet.


Is she actually going to move it around? Some just want a laptop because
it is more fashionable - but they're a poor substitute for a desktop if
all it's going to do is stay on a desk. Perhaps my having a decent 24"
monitor here clouds my judgement. ;-)

--
*The problem with the gene pool is that there is no lifeguard *

Dave Plowman London SW
To e-mail, change noise into sound.
  #25   Report Post  
Posted to uk.d-i-y
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 4,093
Default Laptop/Tablet?

On 07/07/2012 20:15, The Medway Handyman wrote:
SWMBO wants to downsize her PC to either a Laptop or a Tablet.

Now obviously both have their upside & downsides, so what we are looking
for is a review or comparison site that compares the two different systems.

We can find plenty of sites that compare each with themselves, but not
one that compares Tablet v Laptop.

Anyone know of such a site?

Thanks all for the learned replies.

I did manage to find several sites that compared laptops & tablets &
SWMBO has read through them now.

Real problem was lack of info on tablets.

Since she doesn't surf the net that much, but does use Word, Excel quite
a lot, she has decided on a laptop.

She likes this one
http://www.comet.co.uk/p/Laptops/buy...-Laptop/789615

(We buy from Comet because a lad working there fancies my youngest
daughter like mad & gives us really good deals).

Thanks for all the help.




--
Dave - The Medway Handyman www.medwayhandyman.co.uk




  #26   Report Post  
Posted to uk.d-i-y
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 2,221
Default Laptop/Tablet?

On 07/07/2012 20:15 The Medway Handyman wrote:

SWMBO wants to downsize her PC to either a Laptop or a Tablet.

Now obviously both have their upside & downsides, so what we are looking
for is a review or comparison site that compares the two different systems.

We can find plenty of sites that compare each with themselves, but not
one that compares Tablet v Laptop.

Anyone know of such a site?


Not a direct answer to your question, but if SWMBO doesn't mind
'learning' a new operating system then your tablet options are quite open.

However, I tried an Android tablet and found the the workarounds I
needed to be able to replicate what I was doing on my laptop and desktop
just took up too much time and were too much effort. Simply transferring
images from the tablet to the desktop was a faff. So I bought an Acer
Iconia Tab W500 running Windows 7.

Windows 7 is far from being the best OS for a tablet but there's no need
to learn a new OS, Windows 8 (hopefully an improvement!) is due soon,
the tablet does pretty much all that I can do on the laptop and desktop,
and the whole experience has been better than that of the Android.

--
F



  #27   Report Post  
Posted to uk.d-i-y
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 39,563
Default Laptop/Tablet?

The Medway Handyman wrote:
On 07/07/2012 20:15, The Medway Handyman wrote:
SWMBO wants to downsize her PC to either a Laptop or a Tablet.

Now obviously both have their upside & downsides, so what we are looking
for is a review or comparison site that compares the two different
systems.

We can find plenty of sites that compare each with themselves, but not
one that compares Tablet v Laptop.

Anyone know of such a site?

Thanks all for the learned replies.

I did manage to find several sites that compared laptops & tablets &
SWMBO has read through them now.

Real problem was lack of info on tablets.

Since she doesn't surf the net that much, but does use Word, Excel quite
a lot, she has decided on a laptop.


if that is waht she does, that is the best answer.

She likes this one
http://www.comet.co.uk/p/Laptops/buy...-Laptop/789615


Try the keyboards out. A good keyboard makes all te difference.


(We buy from Comet because a lad working there fancies my youngest
daughter like mad & gives us really good deals).


You are mad. Buy online.

Thanks for all the help.






--
To people who know nothing, anything is possible.
To people who know too much, it is a sad fact
that they know how little is really possible -
and how hard it is to achieve it.
  #28   Report Post  
Posted to uk.d-i-y
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 3,842
Default Laptop/Tablet?

On 08/07/2012 12:13, The Natural Philosopher wrote:
The Medway Handyman wrote:
On 07/07/2012 20:15, The Medway Handyman wrote:
SWMBO wants to downsize her PC to either a Laptop or a Tablet.

Now obviously both have their upside & downsides, so what we are looking
for is a review or comparison site that compares the two different
systems.

We can find plenty of sites that compare each with themselves, but not
one that compares Tablet v Laptop.

Anyone know of such a site?

Thanks all for the learned replies.

I did manage to find several sites that compared laptops & tablets &
SWMBO has read through them now.

Real problem was lack of info on tablets.

Since she doesn't surf the net that much, but does use Word, Excel
quite a lot, she has decided on a laptop.


if that is waht she does, that is the best answer.

She likes this one
http://www.comet.co.uk/p/Laptops/buy...-Laptop/789615


Try the keyboards out. A good keyboard makes all te difference.

Also, following a couple of bad experiences when I've had to sort a
mate's Packard Bell computer problems out, I'd recommend against them.

If you can, based on personal experience, I'd go for a Toshiba, Compaq
or Samsung. An Acer I had was good until someone stole it...


--
Tciao for Now!

John.
  #29   Report Post  
Posted to uk.d-i-y
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 2,040
Default Laptop/Tablet?

On 08/07/2012 12:13, The Natural Philosopher wrote:
The Medway Handyman wrote:


Since she doesn't surf the net that much, but does use Word, Excel
quite a lot, she has decided on a laptop.


if that is waht she does, that is the best answer.

She likes this one
http://www.comet.co.uk/p/Laptops/buy...-Laptop/789615


Try the keyboards out. A good keyboard makes all te difference.

+1

Excel benefits from a big screen. Have a look at this.

Samsung 305E7A Laptop, AMD Quad Core, 1.5GHz, 6GB RAM, 750GB with 17.3"
Display, Silver - £479.95
http://www.johnlewis.com/231577630/Product.aspx

It's also NOT got a shiny screen.

Bought one last week for a friend. It's fine

--
Adrian C
  #30   Report Post  
Posted to uk.d-i-y
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 5,386
Default Laptop/Tablet?

On Sun, 08 Jul 2012 12:34:19 +0100, John Williamson
wrote:


Also, following a couple of bad experiences when I've had to sort a
mate's Packard Bell computer problems out, I'd recommend against them.

If you can, based on personal experience, I'd go for a Toshiba, Compaq
or Samsung. An Acer I had was good until someone stole it...

Have bought two lappies in recent past and ended up with Samsung both
times.

Outstandingly fast boot times (less than 19 seconds from switch-on to
usable Windows 7 on the faster one; not very far behind on the cheap one).

And, surprisingly, in both cases I could not do better than John Lewis for
price.

--
Rod


  #31   Report Post  
Posted to uk.d-i-y
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 1
Default Laptop/Tablet?



"The Medway Handyman" wrote in message
...

SWMBO wants to downsize her PC to either a Laptop or a Tablet.


Not a bike?

  #32   Report Post  
Posted to uk.d-i-y
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 40,893
Default Laptop/Tablet?

The Medway Handyman wrote
The Medway Handyman wrote


SWMBO wants to downsize her PC to either a Laptop or a Tablet.


Now obviously both have their upside & downsides, so what we are looking
for is a review or comparison site that compares the two different
systems.


We can find plenty of sites that compare each with themselves, but not
one that compares Tablet v Laptop.


Anyone know of such a site?


Thanks all for the learned replies.


I did manage to find several sites that compared laptops & tablets & SWMBO
has read through them now.


Real problem was lack of info on tablets.


Since she doesn't surf the net that much, but does use Word, Excel quite a
lot, she has decided on a laptop.


She likes this one
http://www.comet.co.uk/p/Laptops/buy...-Laptop/789615


Celeron is a bit low tech now, I'd go for at least an i3 processor now.

(We buy from Comet because a lad working there fancies my youngest
daughter like mad & gives us really good deals).



  #33   Report Post  
Posted to uk.d-i-y
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 25,191
Default Laptop/Tablet?

On 08/07/2012 12:00, The Medway Handyman wrote:
On 07/07/2012 20:15, The Medway Handyman wrote:
SWMBO wants to downsize her PC to either a Laptop or a Tablet.

Now obviously both have their upside & downsides, so what we are looking
for is a review or comparison site that compares the two different
systems.

We can find plenty of sites that compare each with themselves, but not
one that compares Tablet v Laptop.

Anyone know of such a site?

Thanks all for the learned replies.

I did manage to find several sites that compared laptops & tablets &
SWMBO has read through them now.

Real problem was lack of info on tablets.

Since she doesn't surf the net that much, but does use Word, Excel quite
a lot, she has decided on a laptop.

She likes this one
http://www.comet.co.uk/p/Laptops/buy...-Laptop/789615


(We buy from Comet because a lad working there fancies my youngest
daughter like mad & gives us really good deals).


Avoid packard bell like the proverbial....



--
Cheers,

John.

/================================================== ===============\
| Internode Ltd - http://www.internode.co.uk |
|-----------------------------------------------------------------|
| John Rumm - john(at)internode(dot)co(dot)uk |
\================================================= ================/


  #34   Report Post  
Posted to uk.d-i-y
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 633
Default Laptop/Tablet?

On 07/07/2012 20:15, The Medway Handyman wrote:
SWMBO wants to downsize her PC to either a Laptop or a Tablet.

Now obviously both have their upside & downsides, so what we are looking
for is a review or comparison site that compares the two different systems.

We can find plenty of sites that compare each with themselves, but not
one that compares Tablet v Laptop.

Anyone know of such a site?


Buy a "re-con" Thinkpad laptop from someone like "tier1" and replace the
HDD with an SSD - you'll then have FAR more performance than any tablet
with virtually the same "instant on" for less money.

  #35   Report Post  
Posted to uk.d-i-y
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 40,893
Default Laptop/Tablet?



"Nospam" wrote in message
...
On 07/07/2012 20:15, The Medway Handyman wrote:
SWMBO wants to downsize her PC to either a Laptop or a Tablet.

Now obviously both have their upside & downsides, so what we are looking
for is a review or comparison site that compares the two different
systems.

We can find plenty of sites that compare each with themselves, but not
one that compares Tablet v Laptop.

Anyone know of such a site?


Buy a "re-con" Thinkpad laptop from someone like "tier1" and replace the
HDD with an SSD - you'll then have FAR more performance than any tablet
with virtually the same "instant on" for less money.


But you don't get the new touchscreen UI.



  #36   Report Post  
Posted to uk.d-i-y
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 10,204
Default Laptop/Tablet?

On Saturday, July 7, 2012 9:55:25 PM UTC+1, dennis@home wrote:
"Tim" wrote in message
...

They're a bit apples and oranges, i.e., not directly comparable.

What I will say is that since getting an iPad, I fire up the PC a *lot*
less often. The "instant on" capability makes it a much more attractive
device to use 90% of the time.


My windows machine is instant on, I never shut it down, just close the lid
and it suspends.
Its something apple copied.


Did they, when was that .....


BTW its also a 12" touch screen computer with a touch sensitive pen or
finger input and a keyboard and touch pad.

Its also thick enough to actually hold unlike the ipad.


Does thsat make it easier I have an ipad3 and it isn;t the easist thing to take photos with or hold but I'm not sure if it were thicker it would be easier to hold. Although I must admit if the iPhone was as big as an 80s mobile it might be easier to hold and it would slip down the side of the sofa.


If you do a lot of Office stuff and typing,
a device with proper software and a keyboard will always be better. The
iPad is also a great way of displaying & sharing photos.


Mine works fine for photos, however I have a ~£30 photo frame with built in
batteries that works far better.


I loked into photoframes and the resolution was rubbish on all of them, even the £90 one, but maybe the term working better means something else.


I can't really say that there is anything an ipad can do that my windows
machine can't.


Does yuor windows machine have a front and back facing camera ...
one of the uses I've founbd of an ipad is I canb walk about having a video chat and switching camera, using my thumb.

OTH my android phone can do most of what an ipad can do.


proably but can it do it as well, in most cases I'll guess NO.
I've a friend that brought a android tablet 'great value' 1/3d the price of an ipad trouble is it has the tech spec but just inst good to use in fact it sits in a draw being unused because it's so frustarting to use, a simnple thing like scroilling through TV station just doesn't unless you have at least 5 attempts at it.

  #37   Report Post  
Posted to uk.d-i-y
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 281
Default Laptop/Tablet?

whisky-dave wrote:
On Saturday, July 7, 2012 9:55:25 PM UTC+1, dennis@home wrote:
"Tim" wrote in message
...

They're a bit apples and oranges, i.e., not directly comparable.

What I will say is that since getting an iPad, I fire up the PC a *lot*
less often. The "instant on" capability makes it a much more attractive
device to use 90% of the time.


My windows machine is instant on, I never shut it down, just close the lid
and it suspends.
Its something apple copied.


Did they, when was that .....


BTW its also a 12" touch screen computer with a touch sensitive pen or
finger input and a keyboard and touch pad.

Its also thick enough to actually hold unlike the ipad.


Does thsat make it easier I have an ipad3 and it isn;t the easist thing
to take photos with or hold but I'm not sure if it were thicker it would
be easier to hold. Although I must admit if the iPhone was as big as an
80s mobile it might be easier to hold and it would slip down the side of the sofa.


If you do a lot of Office stuff and typing,
a device with proper software and a keyboard will always be better. The
iPad is also a great way of displaying & sharing photos.


Mine works fine for photos, however I have a ~£30 photo frame with built in
batteries that works far better.


I loked into photoframes and the resolution was rubbish on all of them,
even the £90 one, but maybe the term working better means something else.


I can't really say that there is anything an ipad can do that my windows
machine can't.


Does yuor windows machine have a front and back facing camera ...
one of the uses I've founbd of an ipad is I canb walk about having a
video chat and switching camera, using my thumb.

OTH my android phone can do most of what an ipad can do.


proably but can it do it as well, in most cases I'll guess NO.
I've a friend that brought a android tablet 'great value' 1/3d the price
of an ipad trouble is it has the tech spec but just inst good to use in
fact it sits in a draw being unused because it's so frustarting to use, a
simnple thing like scroilling through TV station just doesn't unless you
have at least 5 attempts at it.


Much as people love to knock Apple products, 99% of the time, the iPad
"just works", and damn well too.

Sure, it isn't perfect. The wi-fi has the occasional gremlin and of course
it won't play flash content but ours get used heavily all the time. We have
three in our household and my mother (age 86), inspired by David Hockney's
drawings on an iPad, plans to get on too.

Tim
  #38   Report Post  
Posted to uk.d-i-y
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 6,020
Default Laptop/Tablet?

Nospam wrote:
On 07/07/2012 20:15, The Medway Handyman wrote:
SWMBO wants to downsize her PC to either a Laptop or a Tablet.

Now obviously both have their upside & downsides, so what we are looking
for is a review or comparison site that compares the two different systems.

We can find plenty of sites that compare each with themselves, but not
one that compares Tablet v Laptop.

Anyone know of such a site?


Buy a "re-con" Thinkpad laptop from someone like "tier1" and replace the
HDD with an SSD - you'll then have FAR more performance than any tablet
with virtually the same "instant on" for less money.


And unlike a tablet it will be a brick.
  #39   Report Post  
Posted to uk.d-i-y
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 633
Default Laptop/Tablet?

On 09/07/2012 16:54, Steve Firth wrote:
wrote:
On 07/07/2012 20:15, The Medway Handyman wrote:
SWMBO wants to downsize her PC to either a Laptop or a Tablet.

Now obviously both have their upside& downsides, so what we are looking
for is a review or comparison site that compares the two different systems.

We can find plenty of sites that compare each with themselves, but not
one that compares Tablet v Laptop.

Anyone know of such a site?


Buy a "re-con" Thinkpad laptop from someone like "tier1" and replace the
HDD with an SSD - you'll then have FAR more performance than any tablet
with virtually the same "instant on" for less money.


And unlike a tablet it will be a brick.


I assume you haven't any experience of the IBM/Lenovo X series - they're
certainly more substantial than an iPad but they only weigh around 1.4kg
(compared to about 0.7kg for an iPad) and that isn't too bad when taking
into account the hugely increased capabilities and the freedom to
install what you want.
I have a desktop, a couple of laptops and an iPad ... but it's the
x-series laptop with an SSD that gets used every day.
  #40   Report Post  
Posted to uk.d-i-y
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 633
Default Laptop/Tablet?

On 09/07/2012 10:38, Rod Speed wrote:


"Nospam" wrote in message
...
On 07/07/2012 20:15, The Medway Handyman wrote:
SWMBO wants to downsize her PC to either a Laptop or a Tablet.

Now obviously both have their upside & downsides, so what we are looking
for is a review or comparison site that compares the two different
systems.

We can find plenty of sites that compare each with themselves, but not
one that compares Tablet v Laptop.

Anyone know of such a site?


Buy a "re-con" Thinkpad laptop from someone like "tier1" and replace
the HDD with an SSD - you'll then have FAR more performance than any
tablet with virtually the same "instant on" for less money.


But you don't get the new touchscreen UI.


True, but like everything else the choice is a compromise - for me the
balance is clearly in favour of what I've suggested because I use a
computer as a tool. For someone not wanting to attach devices or modify
who just wants to browse or use the social media then a table might be OK.

Reply
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules

Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Graphics Tablet & Puck wanted Andrew Mawson[_2_] UK diy 3 January 9th 12 12:57 PM
OT; Wireless Tablet The Medway Handyman UK diy 24 July 9th 08 08:59 PM
Ping Alex Bird - Calcomp tablet Franc Zabkar Electronics Repair 0 November 6th 05 04:03 AM
Tablet XY circuitry Radim Stepanik Electronics 0 October 24th 05 10:48 PM
Making a pen for a digitiser tablet - calcomp DB3 Alex Bird Electronics Repair 2 October 9th 05 09:13 PM


All times are GMT +1. The time now is 09:35 AM.

Powered by vBulletin® Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Copyright ©2004-2024 DIYbanter.
The comments are property of their posters.
 

About Us

"It's about DIY & home improvement"