I would say no one "needs" a tablet, they are mostly just a fun toy with a side of a convenience.

If you have a desktop/heavy laptop, a tablet will be good for portability and internet browsing etc.
If your tablet only has wifi then you might find it pretty useless when youre on the bus or something.

I think with Android though you'll really like it and you wont just "get bored" and put it away forever.

EDIT: I already have a really big iPod, an e-reader, and a smartphone. So I especially dont "need" a tablet, but I pre-ordered the Google Nexus anyway because I wanted it

Hey everyone,

Wasn't expecting such an overwhelming response, thanks! I hadn't heard about the Nexus, at ~$200 for a well appointed model it pretty much rules out getting anything used.

I have an (old) Nokia smartphone which is dead slow and I can't afford the data plan for it, so I'd be looking at a fair expense to jump into a new contract with a better phone. My laptop works fine for my usual tasks, but it's kind of hefty and since it's bigger than the textbooks it'll be the first thing to hit the ground if I drop my backpack. Not cool.

I think I've been sold on the concept, though I also have reservations about RIM (pity, had lots of potential). Based on your feedback I'm definitely leaning toward the Nexus, while I won't have the 4G convenience if I can plan ahead and pre-load documents I can still work en-route.

If I didn't get a chance to thank your individual post, I'm still grateful for your thoughts! See you all next year.

Does your smart phone have android? if it does, and you like it, you'll LOVE the nexus because itll be a way ebtter version of android.

Also why do you say you'd be looking at a fair expense to get into a new contract with a better phone? Who are you with? is your contract up? if it is, jump ship over to Wind or Koodo! get a 0$ smart phone, and a $25-$40 plan (unless thats what you meant by too expensive - I only wanted to pay $30, I am paying $40+tax currently)
But you can get some really great 0$ or $50 phone now.

today's popular tablets are media consumption devices. For work purposes you need a windows tablet. That's what I'm planning to get once Win 8 comes out

Originally Posted by jxu93

today's popular tablets are media consumption devices. For work purposes you need a windows tablet. That's what I'm planning to get once Win 8 comes out

Thats a good point. But on the flip side, I would never want to do work on a tablet which requires typing and document editing.

Originally Posted by blackdragon

Thats a good point. But on the flip side, I would never want to do work on a tablet which requires typing and document editing.

why not?

in addition to the convenience of connecting a bluetooth keyboard, you can use a digital pen to handwrite notes

Originally Posted by jxu93

why not?

in addition to the convenience of connecting a bluetooth keyboard, you can use a digital pen to handwrite notes

Personal preference. For typing lab reports and such, a physical keyboard is much more productive for me. Also, I just like the laptop setup with an "all you need" pretty much in 1 slim(ish) design. Tablets are good for in class to follow lectures, record lectures, and even to study off pdf's since there is less distractions

Originally Posted by blackdragon

Personal preference. For typing lab reports and such, a physical keyboard is much more productive for me. Also, I just like the laptop setup with an "all you need" pretty much in 1 slim(ish) design. Tablets are good for in class to follow lectures, record lectures, and even to study off pdf's since there is less distractions

yup.. i wouldn't want to edit anything on a tablet either. its a hassle. and the idea of purchasing and carrying around more stuff doesn't really entice me either. I'd rather just have my laptop or desktop at home, and bring a tab to class to take notes on the already provided slides.

But i do have an ASUS transformer, but even then you can't beat having a keypad and stuff on a laptop. and especially in eng, i can't run autocad on a windows tab (maybe the new ones?) or a circuit program. I guess i can't really say cause i haven't really looked at the surface, but for a person who already has a laptop.

i PERSONALLY wouldn't invest in a surface, maybe if i was going into first year, i MIGHT look at it, but seeing as it doesn't have the processing capabilities for the heavy duty stuff, and its too overpriced for just simply writing on pdfs i wouldn't get it. but thats MY opinion.

and if its a windows 8 tab, doesn't that mean its more susceptible to viruses aimed at windows users?

just my two cents.

To be totally honest, I find that if you are going to buy a tablet, don't expect your productivity to increase at all. It's a toy first, a work device second. Sure you can take notes, read pdfs, and other menial tasks, and if thats enough for you, great! For my personal uses, a tablet would never suffice because I do a lot of programming (not saying I wouldn't want a tablet, because I definitely would), and I still take notes with a pen and paper. If you want something that will meet most of the average consumer's needs, get a Nexus 7, it's probably the best bang for your buck. If you need something more poweruser heavy, look into the new Microsoft Surface tablets, they are more costly but have a greater range of functionality.

Originally Posted by julianface

It is possible on a big phone though

exactly, samsung galaxy note!!!

Originally Posted by newbo

Sure you can take notes, read pdfs, and other menial tasks, and if thats enough for you, great! For my personal uses, a tablet would never suffice because I do a lot of programming (not saying I wouldn't want a tablet, because I definitely would), and I still take notes with a pen and paper.

No tablet is better than pen and paper for notetaking.

Just my quick point. Got a playbook during the developer giveway. Love it as during the summer i used it to read my textbook instead of lugging around my laptop as i did did for the past two year everyday. Also could sneak in reading a few paragraphs here and there during work since it was small.

mostly just preference, and viewing on a tablet means everything is more clear. most phones are good enough if you dont mind the smaller screen

I bought a tablet (transformer prime) and thought Id use it for notes etc. That didnt work out...
BUT I havent had even the temptation to buy a textbook since. Its paid for itself already and will do so many times over

I realize this will all be based on speculation, but does anyone think the Surface Pro will actually succeed in being a viable replacement to a laptop?