abd
Hi,
I need to know if someone knows anything about samsung tablets if they're good or not cz I want to buy a tablet but I don't want to spend lots of money so don't want to buy an iPad do you think that the samsung tablets are as good as an iPad and if not are they good enough to buy?
thanks.
Kassem
Not trying to hijack this thread or anything but I thought it's better than opening a new thread that is kind of related. My question is, say I want a tablet particularly for reading (this is my main use for one - in addition to others that are not very important to me), should I go for an iPad or something that is better suited and/or not that expensive?
Ziad87
abd, Samsung tablets are good. However, you should be aware that software updates for them sometimes take a while to be released since they aren't pure Nexus devices. In addition, you might find that the Google Play store is lacking in terms of apps (quantity and quality) when compared to Apple's App Store. If you are willing to go for the 7" tablets, then I recommend the Asus Nexus 7. It's for around $285 and best of all, it's a pure Nexus device.
Kassem, if you want a cheaper device purely for reading, then you can get an e-reader like the Amazon Paperwhite. However, if you are looking for a tablet, then it is preferable to go with the higher resolution ones like the 3rd and 4th generation iPads or the Nexus 10. Unfortunately, these tablets are a bit more expensive. Though they do offer the full tablet experience and are the best of their kind. The Paperwhite is being sold for around the $200-$250 range. While the iPads both go for around $500. The Nexus 10 is still not available here as far as I know. Note that the Paperwhite's screen is still more suitable for reading (especially outdoors) since it has an e-ink display.
Metalloy
@abd: we got our mom a samsung note 10.1 , A.k.a note tab, and this thing is just the best tablet I tried so far, but it.is not a cheap alternative priced at around 650$
I have no experience with other samsung tablets, but if you have any question about the note 10.1, please feel free to ask.
@kassem, getting an e-reader is a better choice if your only need is reading ebooks.
I would try to get those using e-ink, such as those offered by kindle, no idea on lebanese availibility though.
Metalloy
Ziad87 wroteabd, Samsung tablets are good. However, you should be aware that software updates for them sometimes take a while to be released since they aren't pure Nexus devices. In addition, you might find that the Google Play store is lacking in terms of apps (quantity and quality) when compared to Apple's App Store. If you are willing to go for the 7" tablets, then I recommend the Asus Nexus 7. It's for around $285 and best of all, it's a pure Nexus device.
Samsung are doing really well with updated lately, specially with their flagdhip models.
And the app argument is not really valid these days, the app number is really close between the 2 systems, however the apps that are fully optimized for tablets is the real difference, but you still get to use all the android apps on the market on any android tablet.
Ziad87
Metalloy, yeah I agree. The app number stats are mostly useless. I am more concerned about the "quality" though (basically tablet-optimized apps, as you have already stated). Personally, I prefer the Nexus 10 and I am waiting for it to arrive. In addition, I don't really like Samsung's TouchWiz UI and prefer the stock Android Jellybean. But for many people, the lack of tablet optimized apps is a real issue. For example, the Facebook and Twitter apps, just to name a few, aren't optimized for tablets. The iPad also has higher quality games from many big studios that still aren't available on Android. So I guess it all depends on your budget, use cases, and ecosystem loyalty.
Metalloy
totally agree with what you said right now, and I will add that facebook is bad on android in general, not just tabs, and this is getting really annoying!
Ziad87
Yeah, it's really slow and lags a lot. Facebook recently ditched HTML5 from their iOS app and went back to using native code. As a result, the app is now much faster and smoother. They plan on doing the same for Android but for some reason seem to be taking their sweet time with it. Hopefully the arrival of the Nexus 10 will encourage developers to take large screen Android tablets more seriously.
Ayman
Question related to reading tablets: Anyone knows where I can find a Kindle paper white in Lebanon? And for how much? I am like kassem, I just want it for reading pdf files, extra features like wifi and apps distract me.
Ziad87
It's in the $220-$250 range (cannot remember the exact amount) from Books and Pens. I have no idea if you can find it for a cheaper price from other places. Check Virgin, they might have it too.
abd
Thank you for your replies, and ziad87 does the asus nexus 7 support a sim card slot? and if it does can you use it like a normal phone or..?thanks.
AvoK95
No, unfortunately the Nexus 7 doesn't support SIM cards.
Ziad87
There are versions of the new 32 GB Nexus 7 that have 3G connectivity. However, the stock Jellybean OS does not come with any "phone" apps. This new Nexus 7 model still did not arrive here as far as I am aware.
ironman
as an owner of a Nexus 7, i advise you to get one :), its fast, relatively cheap and purely android (running 4.2)
Ayman
@ironman do you read pdf ebooks on it? If yes how was the experience with you? Is it comfortable for reading for long hours?
ironman
AymanFarhat wrote@ironman do you read pdf ebooks on it? If yes how was the experience with you? Is it comfortable for reading for long hours?
@AymanFarhat, well i mostly use my Nexus for browsing, youtube and social networks, but i can assure you that its great for browsing and reading long articles since it adjusts the brightness amazingly, but if you're a heavy reader, i advise you to get the kindle paper-white, a friend of mine got it and he's very happy with it.
Joe
Kindles (and to a larger extent e-ink) are absolutely amazing for reading. I have no problem whatsoever reading in the sun, virtually zero reflection dazzle my vision.
Note that the screen isn't lit, so you cannot, for instance, read in the dark.
Ziad87
The Paperwhite has a built-in light specifically designed for night reading.
