Advice for picking Tablet...

[Mister Emu]

Hey, I am appealing to y'all's expertise on the matter, as this is my first foray into tablets. Especially since I can't get any hands on trials, no store around me even carries anything more than a Kindle or Ipad 2.

I don't want to go more than ~$1400 including accessories/additional software possible needed. A little flexibility is available though.

As far as OS, I want it to stand in for a Laptop in most settings, so I think an android is out. If not, I'm open to correction.

I need to be able to both write and read on it well in multiple light settings. It is going to be used for note taking and have my textbooks on it.

I looked at a couple of tablets, but I just don't know what to expect for standard, exceptional or below average in terms of technology or price among the tablets.

Thank you for any help.

[digitaldoctors]

There are two main types of Tablet PCs : slate (no keyboard) and convertible (has keyboard).
Do you need to type alot, or would inking with a pen work OK ?

[Mister Emu]

Do you need to type alot, or would inking with a pen work OK ?
My apologies, when I said write, I mean I want to use a pen.

[digitaldoctors]

Have you ever used a Tablet PC before ? [looking doesn't count]
Maybe you won't like them ?
The textbook format is .pdf ?
Do you need to read outdoors ? No Tablet or TabletPC does that really well.

Well ... if you want to get a tablet to test the waters ... I would get a Motion LE1600.
See if you like writing on .pdfs during a lecture.
They go for $150 - $300.
You could easily sell it a few weeks later for basically the same price .

[pmatulew]

Or check out the demo program sponsored by our host. They have several different current model devices available for short term loan at nominal cost. http://store.alltp.com/shop/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=13448

Certainly worth checking in to.

[Mister Emu]

Have you ever used a Tablet PC before ?
Unfortunately, no. Which is why I planned on deferring to the judgment of those who have.


Maybe you won't like them ?
Don't have the option to not use it.


The textbook format is .pdf ?
Some, and some I believe will be whatever Kindle uses now...


Do you need to read outdoors ? No Tablet or TabletPC does that really well.
No, I do not need to do so.


Or check out the demo program sponsored by our host.
Thanks, I'll look into that.

[digitaldoctors]

I'd probably view the .pdf documents on a tablet like an ipad or some android and hand write my notes.
A cool thing, which wouldn't take long would be to scan all your notes into .pdf format and sync them to the tablet.
I'd use a Scan Snap scanner.
I'd sync them via Dropbox to a desktop.

Alternatively, I'd buy a Toshiba M200 for dirt cheap $150-200 to test out and see if you like a Tablet PC at all. You can't rely on someone else about if a Tablet PC would work for you.

The M200 has a large screen SXGA+ 1400 x 1050 which would allow you to see the entire PDF page easily.

If you liked writing on .pdfs and the Tablet PC worked for you, then I'd blow the bank and get
- a new tablet, a charger, a few AC adaptors, a few spare batteries, a few extra pens. [Cost $2000+]

[Kim Bosarge]

I'd probably view the .pdf documents on a tablet like an ipad or some android and hand write my notes.
A cool thing, which wouldn't take long would be to scan all your notes into .pdf format and sync them to the tablet.
I'd use a Scan Snap scanner.
I'd sync them via Dropbox to a desktop.

Alternatively, I'd buy a Toshiba M200 for dirt cheap $150-200 to test out and see if you like a Tablet PC at all. You can't rely on someone else about if a Tablet PC would work for you.

The M200 has a large screen SXGA+ 1400 x 1050 which would allow you to see the entire PDF page easily.

If you liked writing on .pdfs and the Tablet PC worked for you, then I'd blow the bank and get
- a new tablet, a charger, a few AC adaptors, a few spare batteries, a few extra pens. [Cost $2000+] I get it .