Genuine alternative to the iPad?

db

#chaplife
i posted before about how i intend to buy an ipad.. well, the time is nearly upon us - it's my birthday on monday, so i'm going to treat myself to one next week..

however, when you tell people this, you always get the inevitable "but there are so many better non-apple options out there, that do just as much/more, for less money!!1 :angry:" response from some people..

so.. before i plonk down £464 for the 32GB wifi model, i was wondering if anyone could should me any genuine alternatives?

i've heard of things like the asus transformer, and a couple of others, but every time i've looked into them they've paled in comparison to the ipad.. however, this may be because i simple haven't looked hard enough..

i would really appreciate views from anyone who has actually had a chance to use some of these "ipad alternatives" and let me know how they compare.. is there actually a tablet on the market that looks as nice, is as powerful, and can do as much as apple's much-loved slab of geek candy?

fanks :keke:
 

My Name is URL

Well-Known Forumite
Can't comment too much because I don't really use tablets. I do have a HP Touchpad that i have hacked Android onto and its ok, but to be honest I keep going back to my netbook... I just can't beat the netbook for sitting on the sofa using the net and watching tv at the same time. The keyboard for me is essential and no tablet can rival the netbook for that.

Having said all that, a friend has recently switched from the iPhone to the Galaxy S2... it was a tough decision and I think it was the wrong one for her as she is a complete technophobe and is very much a form over function kind of girl. However she has stuck with the S2 for cost reasons as much as anything else.

I was at the gadget show a few weeks back and saw one of the presentations about mobiles and tablets but honestly can't remember what the said in the end (sorry). I think they did say the Asus Transformer was the best iPad alternative.

I think there are many alternatives that are "as nice and as powerful" as the ipad (although "as nice" is personal choice) but what do you mean by "can do as much"? What are you likely to be using it for?

Would also be good to know what led you to discount the Transformer as it looks such a versatile beast.
 

tek-monkey

wanna see my snake?
As an apple hater I have to say, in all honesty, that I find the iPad better than any cheaper android tablet I have used. We have about 20 at work, and much as I detest apple business practices I can't deny the things do what they say, and they do it well. They are more restrictive than android, they cost more for software, but they don't **** up on you!

My experience of android tabs is limited to the cheaper end of the market, so I have no idea what the £400 ones are like. Probably just as good as an ipad, I see no reason they wouldn't be as they seem to have higher specs. If you are going to spend similar money though, didn't you want an ipad?

Good luck with it, let us know how you get on :)
 
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db

#chaplife
I think there are many alternatives that are "as nice and as powerful" as the ipad (although "as nice" is personal choice) but what do you mean by "can do as much"? What are you likely to be using it for?

typical things i would it for would be stuff like:

  • quickly googling "ooh, what's-'er-name? what else has she been in??" etc. while watching a film
  • checking the forum
  • playing draw something
  • internet browsing whilst the missus is using the laptop to play sims
  • streaming HD films to the TV

if you have ever used an ipad, you will know that they are "instant on", which is perfect for all of the above.. you literally pick it up, unfold the cover, and it's on - no boot time or faffing about, so it's great as a "coffee table" computer - just pick it up and you're on the internet, good to go..

i'm also interested in getting the numark iDJ live or similar, so you can mix your itunes library with a proper pair of decks!

Would also be good to know what led you to discount the Transformer as it looks such a versatile beast.

sorry, i didn't mean to make it sound as if i was dismissing it outright - i just meant that on paper it doesn't sound as good, so i'd love to hear from anyone who has managed to use one..

i suppose the point of this thread is, i want the people who say there are better things than the ipad out there on the market right now to put their money where their mouth is, and show me some examples! not in a confrontational way - purely because i'm about to buy one so if there are genuine alternatives, i'd love to see them :)
 

highguyuk

Well-Known Forumite
I wasn't sure if I'd use my iPad, so bought a cheaper second hand one to dip my toe so to speak. I love it. I have an android phone and my iPad so get the best of both worlds.

Two thoughts. Are you buying new or refurbished? If new, can I suggest you look into refurb as they offer a good saving and I'm led to believe you can't tell the difference! Secondly, you mention the wifi version. I bought the 3G, but thats because without the 3G you don't get all the GPS features too (I also use mine on the commute each day). Consider if you'll want to use anything location based, such as anything mapping or free sat nav etc.
 

My Name is URL

Well-Known Forumite
typical things i would it for would be stuff like:

  • quickly googling "ooh, what's-'er-name? what else has she been in??" etc. while watching a film
  • checking the forum
  • playing draw something
  • internet browsing whilst the missus is using the laptop to play sims
  • streaming HD films to the TV
if you have ever used an ipad, you will know that they are "instant on", which is perfect for all of the above.. you literally pick it up, unfold the cover, and it's on - no boot time or faffing about, so it's great as a "coffee table" computer - just pick it up and you're on the internet, good to go..

i'm also interested in getting the numark iDJ live or similar, so you can mix your itunes library with a proper pair of decks!

i suppose the point of this thread is, i want the people who say there are better things than the ipad out there on the market right now to put their money where their mouth is, and show me some examples! not in a confrontational way - purely because i'm about to buy one so if there are genuine alternatives, i'd love to see them :)

I don't know of anyone personally who would say there is anything better than the ipad out there at the moment, but I would say there are certainly Android tablets as good as the iPad.

As for the list of requirements... an Android tablet will do all of the first four.... not sure about the last one, I suppose it depends what technology you are using to stream to the TV. Any Android tablet worth its salt should be instant on (my Touchpad certainly is) as you never really switch them off (unless you want to), you just keep them in standby as with iPad. Also not sure about the iDJ thing sorry. All ICS (Ice Cream Sandwich) Android tablets have a search bar at the top of every home screen, so certainly point one on your list is easy peasy.

Could you go into a store and try out the options?

If you want to pop round or meet for a pint at some point and have a play with my Touchpad (not a euphemism), you are welcome. I never use it...

All this talk though is making me think I may spend a few minutes this evening upgrading it from Honeycomb to ICS... :D
 

Vault_girl

Well-Known Forumite
This might not be for you DB but for others who are thinking of trying out a tablet can I suggest my one?
I've just got myself the 16GB int sotrage and 1GB RAM version of this http://www.amazon.co.uk/NATPC-M009S...e/dp/B006M07X34/ref=?ie=UTF8&m=A3FBRFJEH1TPJ2
I'm really pleased with it - I wanted it for the first four points you have made and for that it is fine. (and a fifth of the price of an iPad). I dont know about streaming HD films, but it does have a mini HDMI connector on it. and you can upgrade their storage to 32GB with a micro SD card.
I tried a £60 tablet which a friend had to see how often I would use it an it turns out I use it every day. So did a bit of research into tablets around the £100 mark and this one was the best spec for the money. If you are thinking of getting an iPad or asus transformer it might be worth splashing out on something like this first as it will give you a lot of the functionality to see if a tablet is for you without the larger price tag.
I have had a go on iPads and the Asus transformer prime and to be honest I would go for a transformer prime over an iPad - you can get the keyboard with the prime which makes the battery life double. And it just feels nicer - the screen feels more solid, the back plate looks better and the OS on the one I tried really suited the whole thing. I think they may have better cameras in them too. I think the transformer is a bit bigger than an iPad as well. But that's just my opinion.
 

db

#chaplife
thanks vault_girl - but i placed my order for my ipad yesterday, along with AV adapter so i can watch HD films on the TV straight from it :mario:

i dare say the tablet industry is about to explode with options, though, so hopefully this thread will provide a useful resource for others :)
 

My Name is URL

Well-Known Forumite
Thats looks like fantastic value for money Vault Girl, good spot. Reviews seem great.

I am in love with my touchpad again since I put Ice Cream Sandwich on it, combined with tethering to my phone and / or using the new Sky Cloud wireless service...
 
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