Apple or Sony

[hifi_dave]

I want to get a tablet computer thingy for my Wife. Should I go for Apple or the new Sony ? The specs and prices are pretty much identical.

Basically, I know nothing..:scratch:

[twelvebears]

If you're already 'invested' in Apple via other devices or software, then I'd probably say an iPad, but (and I say this as quite a heavy Apple 'investor' myself) if you're not, then you will get better flexibility and freedom to do as you want with a non-Apple tablet.

For example you can attach USB devices to other tablets and directly transfer files and install your choice of software, but not so with an iPad.

[twelvebears]

If you're already 'invested' in Apple via other devices or software, then I'd probably say an iPad, but (and I say this as quite a heavy Apple 'investor' myself) if you're not, then you will get better flexibility and freedom to do as you want with a non-Apple tablet.

For example you can attach USB devices to other tablets and directly transfer files and install your choice of software, but not so with an iPad.

[The Vinyl Adventure]

If she is a Luddite, get the apple
I gave my missis my old iPhone and she loves it ... She can't even work the tv remote but she has worked out how to download apps, got her emails up and runnin on it ... All sorts!
Say what you like about apple, of there is one thing the do well it's making stuff simple for people who normaly find that sort of thing hard

[hifi_dave]

Neither of us are sooper, dooper with computers. We can manage the basics - I still can't post pics on this forum, for instance.

However, my Wife really enjoys watching the BBC i-player, which she does every evening, also the occasional video and pics of the kids/grandkids and of course, e-mails.

[aquapiranha]

the Sony tablet is actually very nice and if you have a suitably equipped (smart) Sony TV you can 'flick' files from the tablet to view them on the TV. Also it doubles as a rather tasty remote for the TV too as well as having lots of apps like the other two. However, I would strongly recommend the Samsung Galaxy Tab which starts at £399, runs Android and is super cool, slim and light and has a better battery life than the apple allegedly.

Also, being Android means you will not have to deliberately infect your PC with a virus, sorry I meant itunes...


[runs to hide from the pitchfork and flaming torch wielding apple fanbois..] :lol:

[aquapiranha]

Chill guys! :lol: I was only joking. anyway, there is no denying that the ipad is a nice piece of tech, but I personally prefer the samsung galaxy tab (10.1), and not just because you do not need itunes. Look at the specs..

http://www.samsung.com/global/microsite/galaxytab/10.1/spec.html

and it looks nice..


http://www.samsung.com/global/microsite/galaxytab/10.1/images/w_image01.jpg

[The Vinyl Adventure]

I don't think you need iTunes anymore ...
iOS 5 doesn't need to be plugged into anything to back up or update

[aquapiranha]

That is good news Hamish. I am sure there are many people put off by the itunes tie-in who may now reconsider. I have been looking at these tablets, but before anyone takes the plunge I suggest you have a look at the forthcoming Kindle Fire...


http://www.amazon.com/Kindle-Fire-Amazon-Tablet/dp/B0051VVOB2

http://www.techradar.com/news/mobile-computing/tablets/amazon-kindle-fire-what-you-need-to-know-1030069

http://reviews.cnet.com/tablets/amazon-kindle-fire/4505-3126_7-35022491.html

http://www.cbsnews.com/i/tim/2011/09/28/Kindle_Fire.jpg

Oh, and if you are on a budget or just want a handy cheap tablet, there is always this..

http://image.ebuyer.com/UK/P600-0287638-02.jpg


http://www.ebuyer.com/287638-scroll-essential-tablet-pc-53511

'Just taken delivery of this and here is a quick review after 30 minutes of playing with the unit.

Seems quite well made - not too plasticy certainly better than other at the same price on Amazon. The border of the screen is rather large but you soon get used to it although it makes the unit harder to hold in my dainty hands.

I have both capacitive and resistive tablets - this is resistive and isn't all all bad. Obviously you need a firmer push but sliding atc. work fine.

For the price a bargain - a word you will probably read often on these reviews - but it is! Connected to all my wireless networks well which some cheap A***on tablets have major problems with, Ethernet is on the menu but no adapter supplied.

The camera resolution must be higher than advertised it's really quite good.

If you want to play with Android then you can't go wrong, if you break it you will lose no sleep because it is so cheap.

The power supply is 5V 2A by the way if you wanted to buy a car charger. I see that EBuyer are offering 2 and 3 year warranties for 20 quid. IF the batteries are included then this would be a steal as I am sure the batteries will be one of the first things to go, they always are on this sort of item.

I am sure that others with more experience will write about the various Android markets available and how to hack your way into them should it be necessary. I am happy to use this to check emails when out and about.'

[WAD62]

the Sony tablet is actually very nice and if you have a suitably equipped (smart) Sony TV you can 'flick' files from the tablet to view them on the TV. Also it doubles as a rather tasty remote for the TV too as well as having lots of apps like the other two. However, I would strongly recommend the Samsung Galaxy Tab which starts at £399, runs Android and is super cool, slim and light and has a better battery life than the apple allegedly.

Also, being Android means you will not have to deliberately infect your PC with a virus, sorry I meant itunes...


+1 for the Samsung, my mate's just got one, with Android Gingerbread, superb device, expandable storage, & USB connectivity for all sorts of devices.

Android's an excellent O/S, and very easy to use

You'll also be able to use 'poweramp' as the music player, which offers gapless replaygain FLAC playback.

:)