Need advice on ipad or tablet

[Gray Rider]

I am a contractor and need a bullet-proof phone so a smart phone is not practical for me. I do, however, occasionally need to access e-mail or the web while I'm at work and want to keep something in my truck.

My questions are; what would be a simple device for this purpose? Can I receive/send emails and browse the web on one of those tablets if I have internet access and what brand/model do you recommend?I wouldn't be using this to watch movies or play games but would probably use apps that I thought would be useful at work.

Off to work now thanks in advance for your input.

 

[Arik]

If you just need simple internet stick with a tablet. The iPad is expansive and you do pay for its name and packaging ......yes packaging. Its very neat and well thought out but its still just a container till someone buys it.

Apple also isnt compatible with a lot of apps and online services (this probably wont matter to you). Occasionally you run into a website that isnt supported by Apple.

A cheap $100-200 tablet would work just fine. A few years ago a friend bought a $80 no name tablet and it works fine to this day. His main use is just online. I bought ny sister a Kindle Fire $250, excellent tablet.

Their internet access comes from WiFi. So you'd have to be able to receive that either through a un passworded wireless router that someone has near by or through the city's free WiFi access. A lot of big cities have that set up and now most bars, restaurants, cafes, stadiums...have that option for their customers. A lot depends on where you live though so while free WiFi is out there its not a 100% guaranty that you'll find it.

Personally i own a iPad but i got it as a gift. I would never have spent $500 for something like that.


Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk 2

 

[bettis1]

Gray,

Yes, you can receive and send emails on the tablets. You just can't make calls. The Gold Standard is certainly the iPad, however, there are others that are pressing them very hard now.

If you are concerned about durability, both cell phones and tablets can be destroyed by accidents. The secret is to get an aftermarket "hard case" to protect them. There are several shock resistant cases for both phones and tablets that you can look at on line.

Bob

 

[Roadtrash]

Been thinking of one of these myself and was wondering do they have a place to plug in external hard drives? I use Verizon for my internet access with my PC, can I plug this into a tablet or ipad?

 

[arjay]

I've had a couple of iPads,my son has a kindle fire.Ipad costs more,but can be bought with 3G for an extra $100.Kindle is wifi only but you can set up your phone as a hotspot.Just bought an ipad mini which seems like a nice compromise between the kindle and a full size ipad as far as price and usefulness.

 

[yeti]

Really like my ipad. Always works, boots up in a blink, quick and simple to complete a task, and reasonably durable with a good case, plus good battery life too. Since you will not have a smartphone to use as a hotspot...get the 3G version. Yes ipads are more expensive, but they are still the best...for now.
If you are on a tight budget, find a hipster that is selling off a perfectly good used one to chase the next latest and greatest ipad whatever.

 

[arjay]

Apple also sells refurbished units at a reduced price.

 

[kozmic]

I'd revisit the idea of a smart phone. Does what you want and can be protected fairly well with a case. All of my guys and I use them and have no issues. If you're worried, buy the insurance.

I wouldn't be without one.

Just my $.02!

 

[Comrad]

After a lifetime in IT and a big fan of Intel and a little less of a fan of Microsoft I got an Iphone and liked it so much I got a MacBook Pro, bye bye Windows and all the headaches. If you want a bullet proof solution that just plain works Apple is the way to go as far as I am concerned. Last night while Ms Comrad was cursing up a storm over the performance of her Intel Windows box I was browsing away happy as could be.

 

[5-Shot]

I have an iPad with 3G and will never be without one again. The map alone is worth it. I'm meeting a guy this afternoon in a town 100+ miles away to pick up a model 30. He suggested the McD's on a certain intersection. Pulled up my map, found the restaurant on the satellite map, dropped a pin and said get me there. A blue dot will follow me along the entire route...a dot so accurate that it can tell when when I walk around in my house.

It got me around England last summer while my regular GPS was a disaster.

With 3G I can surf the web from virtually anywhere at any time.

Perhaps other devices can do the same things, but the iPad certainly does them well.

Ed

 

[Lori Ann]

A few months ago I bought a Samsung Galaxy 2 7" tablet. I purchased it from my cell phone carrier. It is small enough to carry (along with other items) ;-) but larger than a smart phone so easier to see and navigate. I was able to add it to my existing cell phone plan for $10 a month and it gives you email and internet access, (which is all I really wanted it for). Priced around $280 and works quite nicely. Hope this helps.

 

[Memphiscbrider]

I have and use an iPad. I'm on it right now. But I've gotten to where I discovered android and how great it is. You can customize it with a ton of free apps and you don't have to jailbreak it to get them. I'm really wishing right now that I could get a galaxy tab 10.1.

 

[portejw]

You can also access WiFi via a personal hotspot, so if your phone has either hotspot or tethering capabilities, you'll be set.

Absolutely zero need to spend the money on an iPad - a cheaper Android-powered one will be just fine. I'm firmly on the Samsung bandwagon so this recommendation is biased, but now is a great time to check out the Galaxay Tab 2's - They are preparing for the 3-series and prices are cut on the 2's.

 

[BobC357]

iPads were the leader of the pack until recently. Now, the Android tablets have taken over the lead.

Both have their advantages and disadvantages. You'll need the right tool (that's all they really are) for your job. Tablets come in all sizes including phone size. If you require external ports, they are all different configurations. For example, on mine, I can swap batteries if they get low -- most are factory returns to do that. Samsung Android tablets are wonderful and most of my friends have those. A store here called Big Lots has off-brand tablets for less than $100.

If you need to do a lot of typing, you may want to consider one of the small notepad type computers. Smaller than a laptop but with the same functionality.

Good luck

 

[Gray Rider]

Thanks a lot for all the input guys; you gave me a place to start exploring the options. Knew I get the advice I needed here; what works, not just what's the latest and greatest. Appreciate you all.

 

[Robotech]

Keep in mind any additional service or data costs when making a choice.

I got the iPad with phone connectivity to be able to run it by itself or as a hot-spot for a laptop when at a customer site without network access, but I normally leave the cell service de-activated unless I'll need it that month.

The problem is that Verizon "automatically" re-activates it after three months unless you manually visit their site, turn it ON, and then immediately OFF again. This is idiotic.

 

[mr-mom]

I am a service provider and use an iPad and iPhone every day in my truck. The iPhone acts as the wifi hotspot for my iPad. I use the iPad to find locations, download needed information, access county parcel/owner information, permit records, maps, you name it. I will not be without either one until someone builds a better mouse trap. The Apple system just plain works, all the time, without headaches, viruses, etc.
Dave

 

[ChattanoogaPhil]

No need to get anything more than 16GB, and if it's just for email and surfing you can do with less.

They will all have wi-fi, but I'm guessing you'll want cellular service. Don't know where you live/work or if there's 4G LTE service, but that's something to consider 3G or 4G. If there's 4G service in your area, I'd wouldn't get a 3G tablet.

Unless you've got other Apple equipment or intend to, there's no need to get an iPad. In fact, I'd warn against it. My wife brought home a MacBook Pro a couple years ago and I ended up with a 27' iMac, iPad, iPad Mini, three Apple TVs and two iPhones.

 

[arjay]

^^^This^^^ The stuff just breeds and the next thing you know,you're a fanboy :-0

 

[smokindog]

UR MacBook is Intel as well!!!!

Apple - MacBook Pro - Technical Specifications

After a lifetime in IT and a big fan of Intel and a little less of a fan of Microsoft I got an Iphone and liked it so much I got a MacBook Pro, bye bye Windows and all the headaches. If you want a bullet proof solution that just plain works Apple is the way to go as far as I am concerned. Last night while Ms Comrad was cursing up a storm over the performance of her Intel Windows box I was browsing away happy as could be.