Best and least expensive tablet for e-mail and web browsing

R_burke · « **on:** 2 Jan 2012, 07:59 pm »

I'm looking for a tablet to use wi-fi that has good e-mail and web browsing, don't want to spend more than $500

Appreciate informed suggestions along with a reason why

neekomax · « **Reply #1 on:** 2 Jan 2012, 08:14 pm »

I don't know about least expensive, but the wifi-only iPad is $499. Apple has sold roughly 30 million since they launched it in 2010. How bad could it be? After all, they did pioneer the technology and product category.

On an audio note, the Airplay feature (for iPad, iPhone, and Mac OS; streams audio for iTunes, Spotify, Pandora, etc.) is fantastic. You can stream all kinds of audio and video content to an Apple TV box ($99, HDMI & Toslink connections) or an Airport Express ($129, also serves as your wi-fi router). Really powerful way to expand your hi-fi or media setup in terms of content accessibility. I love it.

MaxCast · « **Reply #2 on:** 2 Jan 2012, 08:16 pm »

I would recommend the ipad, especially if you have other idevices. If you already have andriod and it allows you to share apps already purchased then that may lean that way.
We have an ipad, two iphones an imac and a touch. Works together very well. Many many apps. Use itunes cards to avoid the credit card.

My son just got an andriod tablet and while it is working ok you need to accociate a cc if you want to use any apps from amazon. The purchasing of apps from amazon was a bit frustrating as I had to click the "download at your own risk" button to allow the installer, etc. Free Google apps downloaded fine.

I suspect both allow to register multiple email accounts.

TONEPUB · « **Reply #3 on:** 2 Jan 2012, 08:27 pm »

Id seriously take a peek at the Kindle Fire. (and I own two iPads and a Galaxy pad)

For $199 it's tough to beat and the interface isn't as clunky as the standard droid interface on the Galaxy. The iPad with it's bigger screen and more memory has advantages, but I'd highly recommend the Fire. And you can always return it if you don't like it.

Bill Baker · « **Reply #4 on:** 2 Jan 2012, 09:27 pm »

My son has the kindle Fire and I can second a vote for this piece. My preference would be an iPad with 3G when unable to connect to a WiFi network but if you are around the home or any area that you know has WiFi service, I think the Kindle Fire would be more than enough.

As mentioned by others, the iPad at only $500 would provide more versatility but at a bit more than double the cost.

I think either one would be a good choice.

mhconley · « **Reply #5 on:** 2 Jan 2012, 09:59 pm »

Amazon has done some interesting things with the Kindle Fire to speed web browsing. The Nook Tablet at $249 is another great choice and with it's dual-core processor it is considerably faster than the older Nook Color. Personally, I would not own an Apple product.

Martin

Gopher · « **Reply #6 on:** 2 Jan 2012, 10:03 pm »

Maybe you can luck out and score an HP Touchpad from someone second hand or some lost inventory. I know HP liqudated a bunch of refurbs recently through ebay.

I bought a couple when the fire saled them and they're awesome--especially once Androided. Cyanogenmod 9 will be coming to it soon... bringing Ice Cream Sandwich to a $99 - $149 overachieving device is a monster value.

I own a 32gb Ipad 2 also, and its pretty much interchangeable for me. In many ways I prefer the Touchpad.

neekomax · « **Reply #7 on:** 2 Jan 2012, 10:28 pm »

Quote from: mhconley on 2 Jan 2012, 09:59 pm

Personally, I would not own an Apple product.

Martin

Just on principle? They look at you funny or something?

davidrs · « **Reply #8 on:** 2 Jan 2012, 10:46 pm »

Second Gopher on the HP Touchpad, if you can score one at the original fire sale offer prices and are open to rooting, etc.

If you want a basic tablet, I recommend the Kindle Fire. For basic email and browsing (as your post title suggests) the Kindle, post the update, works just fine. Don't have experience with the Nook, but it is likely to be a similar experience, though you are paying $50 more.

The Kindle Fire is more portable than the full sized tablets and easier to use on the go due to the smaller size and in terms of typing on with both thumbs. Further, it's easier to swallow a $199 loss if I drop it, spill something on it, or toast it in some other way, and at somepoint that will happen. When I'm travelling, it is the tablet I carry with me.

Let us know what you decide.

- David.

mgalusha · « **Reply #9 on:** 3 Jan 2012, 01:48 am »

I have a rooted nook color, it's OK for email and so so for the web but you can do better for less $$ now, the Kindle Fire is likely a best buy. I also have an Acer Iconia A500, wifi only, which I like very much. Fast, large screen and supposedly Acer is pushing Android 4 this month, so I have much less inclination to root it.

As you can guess, I'm not an Apple customer and cannot comment on the iPads but obviously they are "it" for tablet apps, most Android apps are not tablet optimized but most also run and look just fine on the tablets.

TONEPUB · « **Reply #10 on:** 3 Jan 2012, 03:21 am »

The only issue about the Kindle Fire and the Samsung Galaxy (android also) is the battery life. I've been getting 11-12 hours consistently on the iPad one and 2, where the other tablets are in the 7 hour range. If you travel a lot overseas, this may be an issue.

Otherwise, no complaints at all with the Kindle Fire. Haven't had a chance to try out the "amazon cloud" services. The Fire only has 8gb of memory, so it won't hold as much native media as the iPad will. Again, might be a deal breaker on a long transatlantic flight, where you'd like to spool up a season of your favorite TV show or watch a handful of movies...

But if you don't need that feature, no big deal. As someone who is a HUGE Apple fan, the Kindle Fire is an outstanding product!

R_burke · « **Reply #11 on:** 3 Jan 2012, 02:30 pm »

Thanks for all of the suggestions and comments - based on this and my own research I've narrowed it down to the Kindle Fire and the HP Touchpad. Anyone have experience with both?

kip_ · « **Reply #12 on:** 3 Jan 2012, 02:56 pm »

Quote from: R_burke on 3 Jan 2012, 02:30 pm

Thanks for all of the suggestions and comments - based on this and my own research I've narrowed it down to the Kindle Fire and the HP Touchpad. Anyone have experience with both?

The HP touchpad has been discontinued and it's operating system, WebOS is no longer being developed. I'd strongly suggest something running Android or iOS simply so you'll have access to more applications in the future.

Big Red Machine · « **Reply #13 on:** 3 Jan 2012, 02:57 pm »

I sent my Fire back - too small a screen, too difficult to type on that screen, too hard for large fingers to hit those small icons. A general PITA.

Looked at some others including the Samsung Galaxy at Best Buy and the Asus with docking station was very cool. But in the end I got another laptop.
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Asus+-+Eee+Pad+Transformer+Tablet+with+32GB+Hard+Drive+-+Brown/Black/2475112.p?id=1218329541147&skuId=2475112

eclein · « **Reply #14 on:** 3 Jan 2012, 02:58 pm »

I recently bought a used Acer Iconia A500 Tab 10.1- for $300 and its fantastic. Mine is 16GB, wifi, Android OS and it is surprisingly fast, easy to use, mine hasn't crashed yet and has an outstanding battery life. I think the boost in specs over some of the other ideas is enough to make this more than just email and web as that was my intention also. I find myself watching streaming movies via Netflix, Youtube etc...Games are a blast-I like puzzle games the best.

If I had your budget right now I would get ASUS Eee Pad Transformer PRIME because of its well documented boost in all areas and web browse, email and whatever else. These things (Tablets in general whatever brand) are super convenient and down right fun to have around.

mcgsxr · « **Reply #15 on:** 3 Jan 2012, 03:11 pm »

I bought an iPad (16G wifi) this Christmas for the family. $500 in Canada.

Everyone is happy with it so far. I have no indication that I would choose otherwise so far, other than the initial cost. I looked at the Kindle Fire, but decided to go with the Apple product, since my wife was loving her new iPhone 4S, and we had an iTouch that the kids knew how to use...

davidrs · « **Reply #16 on:** 3 Jan 2012, 03:42 pm »

Sony S is being re-priced at $100 less.

RIM Playbook on offer for $299 for all storage levels. Good price for a 64 gig tablet if you are willing to take a chance on RIM.

At least RIM is "still" behind their OS unlike HP/WebOS (google the recent NYTimes article regarding WebOS). For the basic functionality you are looking for, probably not a big issue vis a vis RIM, but a very different story if you want broad access and flexibility with apps, etc.

- David.

R_burke · « **Reply #17 on:** 3 Jan 2012, 05:28 pm »

Quote from: kip_ on 3 Jan 2012, 02:56 pm

The HP touchpad has been discontinued and it's operating system, WebOS is no longer being developed. I'd strongly suggest something running Android or iOS simply so you'll have access to more applications in the future.

Thanks, now I understand why they are so inexpensive

jermmd · « **Reply #18 on:** 3 Jan 2012, 06:51 pm »

ASUS Transformer Prime may be the latest and greatest available right now for about $500. It's worth considering if you wand the best non apple tablet.

Joe M.

macrojack · « **Reply #19 on:** 3 Jan 2012, 08:26 pm »

Aside from portability and possibly price, do these tablets provide any advantage over a laptop? I've never used one but from the outside I can't see any reason to buy one. Enlighten me.