iPad or Tablet PC?

[MJB]

In various threads on various sites I've read that certain people recommend Tablets over an iPad. I need to know if anyone here shares this opinion & can tell me why & which brands/models.

I can think of many reasons to own an iPad but they are pricey. Tablets can be cheaper but do they offer the same features? I want something I can read comics on, possibly send text messages, watch movies, play games & surf teh interwebz.

[thalaw2]

I'd recommend a tablet...Samsung or Asus.  If it has Ice Cream Sandwich (ICS) then even better.  You'll be able to use your own USB/SD drives/cards and the features on some of these tablets are better than the ipad. 

[MJB]

What is ICS? I'm a total noob when it comes to tablets.

[detourne_me]

Ice Cream Sandwich is the latest Android operating system I think.
I'm a bit biased (Have owned an ipad 1 for a year and a half at least), but these are my opinions.
I've seen some fantastic stuff on a galaxy tab, but all around the ipad performs better.
The other day I was messing around with the new Samsung Galaxy Note (a 5.5 inch smartphone) and tech wise it blows my 3 year old iphone 3gs out of the water.... techwise that is.
The software (with multiple versions of Android; ICS, FroYo, etc.) isn't really as optimized as Apple's software was.
Case in point, my 3 yr old iphone loaded angry birds much faster and with less hiccups than the new Note... my phone even multitasked better.

Honestly, if there was some software cohesion between the different Android platforms they could stand a chance.

Another thing to look out for though is Windows 8 Tablets.  I've been using the Windows 8 dev preview for a few months now and it's obviusly designed with a tablet in mind.
If tomorrow, I had the choice between the new ipad and a windows 8 tablet I could play freedom force on..... i'd take the windows 8 tablet.

[juancho]

ICS is the newest version of the Android operating System by Google, and it stands for Ice Cream Sandwich.

I own an android tablet and it indeed allows a bit more versatility, though I think IOS hasn in some casesn better quality when it comes to its apps

[JeyNyce]

MJB, do you have an iPhone, or iTouch?  If so then get the iPad to keep it all in the family and you won't have to buy apps again.  If not then go with a tablet PC.  I would go to Best Buy or any electronic store to play with them first.

[Deaths Jester]

I recommend a Tower pc...becuase I felt like living up to being the arse in the place.    (Sorry..you know someone was going to do it somehow...so I got it out of the way.  Now back to our regularly scheduled program!)

[Epimethee]

A select few of the newest Android tablets seem very nice, but the iPad still looks to offer better price/quality, and of course, the ecosystem doesn't quite compare, both in quantity and quality of apps.

[thalaw2]

Who uses all those apps anyway?  You get a few staples and you're set.  If you need more than that then you can likely create it yourself...which is really fun with latest UI's.  I wouldn't choose an iPad over a Tablet for apps. 

[Epimethee]

Who uses all those apps anyway?

I do. And, more to the point, the almost uniform comment from reviewers using both iOS and Android, is about the difference in app quality. I believe things are starting to improve on that front for Android, though.

If you need more than that then you can likely create it yourself...

Maybe I'm misunderstanding your point, but I disagree. Normal, sane people have no desire to create applications – they just want to accomplish a task. (Disclaimer: I'm not categorizing myself as normal and sane, mind you, as web and mobile app interface design is what I do in life.)

[MJB]

Turns out that while I was debating on which to pick up my Wifey had made plans to pick me up a Ipad 3. So the choice was made for me by her. LOL.

Thanks for all the tips & advice guys. Much appreciated!

[thalaw2]

If you need more than that then you can likely create it yourself...

Maybe I'm misunderstanding your point, but I disagree. Normal, sane people have no desire to create applications – they just want to accomplish a task. (Disclaimer: I'm not categorizing myself as normal and sane, mind you, as web and mobile app interface design is what I do in life.)

You mean I'm not sane?     I think I've downloaded about 20 apps on my Android phone and don't really see a need for more.  I have had need for apps that would allow me to do work related stuff and I found it was fun to create them on my own rather than browsing the app store/Market.  Sadly, I haven't made a new app in several months as I don't have time to do it.

[Epimethee]

You mean I'm not sane?

Isn't insanity a requirement for joining FR?

What? It isn't? Really? Are you telling me I went to the trouble of becoming a certified loon for naught?

[Deaths Jester]

You mean I'm not sane?

Isn't insanity a requirement for joining FR?

What? It isn't? Really? Are you telling me I went to the trouble of becoming a certified loon for naught?

Yes...Epi...you wnet through all that troubel for naught.  But it does help you gain statuse in FR if you are a certified loon!!!