Can you better a laptop for work tasks?

[Bettyboo]

Okay, here's one for you device 'experts'.

I want something, don't know what, but something. If it looks good, that's great. It must be able to store files such as word, powerpoint and adobe. If it can be used to make PPP and word docs, all the better.

So, I've seen folks using a sweet little iPAD with a keyboard, so I poped to an iStore yesterday to see what it can do, and it turns out that it can do fuk all of use to me... It can't even have multiple pages open on the inernet, doesn't have a USB port, isn't able to make documents - it plays games and videos... is that it? Why spend 15,000 baht on that???

So, I want something that has a USB port, can use office docs (or the Ubuntu Libra Office I use on my laptop) and is sexy small and portable too.

My usage would be, creating files mostly at home or the office (word, PPP, .pdf) then transporting them on this glorified thumbdrive, but also when I'm at a coffee shop or generally out and about, I'd be able to modify files, access the internet and do work related stuff. I also would like some kind of docking station, maybe I'd have it at work, that I could put the device into then have decent speakers, mains power, maybe even a bigger screen (this is where I thought the iPad would be good, but the functionality is so limited)... If it had a port to connect to OHP, all the better (I think I'm asking too much now)...

Am I just talking about a laptop here, or can some kind of tablet with a wireless keyboard do the job - a Dell or HP offering?

Any suggestions (no Butterfuk, I won't do that...)?

[Fondles]

Buy a netbook, it will do all you want and then some.

[harrybarracuda]

Well it's not cheap, but the ASUS transformer fits your requirements.

I'm sure someone will be along with more info shortly.



(Oh: "Output to HD video on HDTVs is also available via a mini HDMI output port, making it a true mobile entertainment device.").

http://www.asus.com/Eee/Eee_Pad/Eee_...sformer_TF101/

[Bettyboo]

ASUSTeK Computer Inc. - Eee- ASUS Eee Pad Transformer TF101

That does look to be the kinda thingy I was looking for - thinking about a 20,000 baht package or so, don't know if it's doable...

[harrybarracuda]

I stand corrected, you can get both for under $400.

asus tf101 - Google Search

The docking keyboard (which contains battery) is sold separately.

[nidhogg]

Certainly not an expert, but have some of the same problems. I got a desk top for the main work, a full size Sony vaio laptop for when I have to seriously work away and a small Hp mini laptop for portability. A bit over 10K baht for the mini IIRC. I use it for travel where I need access to the work, check emails, hook up to give powerpoint presentations etc, but don't want to lug the full sized lap top around.

As said, I could not seriously work on it (my eyes would give out) but for what it is, it is great, and would not part with it now.

[lom]

So, I've seen folks using a sweet little iPAD with a keyboard, so I poped to an iStore yesterday to see what it can do, and it turns out that it can do fuk all of use to me... It can't even have multiple pages open on the inernet, doesn't have a USB port, isn't able to make documents - it plays games and videos..

Soon coming to a school near you..

[FailSafe]

The Asus Transformer runs on Android- I'm not sure if that will suit your needs.

It's over a grand, but the Asus EP121 runs Windows 7 will do everything you need (and it comes with a Bluetooth keyboard)- it's on the large side for a tablet, though.

[harrybarracuda]

What's wrong with Android? You can use Office documents and PDFs on it.

[harrybarracuda]

This 10" Chinese Windows 7 tablet is only $400.



Maybe hang on and see what arrives in the stores for Xmas.

[isanmick]

I heard a tech expert on the radio this week saying the new Samsung tablet is coming out soon and will include usb outlets.

[9999]

he Asus Transformer runs on Android- I'm not sure if that will suit your needs.

I use Android 'Think Free Office' for spreadsheets, haven't tried using other office like features, but the spreadsheet is fully interchangeable with Excel. Word looks like no probs. Adobe runs fine now. Lots of note and message apps, calendar etc too.

To what extent are you 'creating files'.

Looks like Galaxy TAB could be what you're after.

[Butterfly]

didn't you do this thread before and went the Ubuntu route on your laptop ? get a smaller laptop, those cheap one for 9,000 THB with a small screen and that should do the trick with ubuntu

alternatively, you have the ASUS Transformer

[Bettyboo]

^ yes I did. I'm very happy with the laptop and ubuntu - I don't use microsoft at all nowadays... I create files in libra office and convert them to .pdf's. This works great. If android does the same, that'd be great too - just need a netbook type thingy, but would like it to look (and sometimes act) like a tablet type thingy. I thought the iPad2 would do the job, but was pretty underwelmed by the apple products when I spent some time in their store yesterday.

I think I'd prefer a tablet with a wifi keyboard and/or docking station for the sake of flexibility with functionality; maybe on a train/plane I'd just want the simple touchscreen audiovisual functions, or coming home late, just to whack it in a dock and listen to some music...

[Bettyboo]

Hp mini laptop for portability. A bit over 10K baht for the mini IIRC

I'll check that out before I buy, thanks. The ASUS is probably very similar to this, but with some smart marketing which you pay for - is the added flexibility of the ASUS worth 5,000 baht?

the Asus EP121 runs Windows 7 will do everything you need (and it comes with a Bluetooth keyboard

I'll check this out too, thanks. Though, if given the choice I now avoid microsoft products.

Android 'Think Free Office'

Perfect, if it works ok.

'creating files'

Mmm, word and powerpoint docs mostly, but the word docs can be 50+ pages, and the PPP can be with added audio/video.

[Fondles]

I have seen the Acer Iconia Tab here at Tukom, looks pretty nifty.



ICONIA TAB W500

http://www.invadeit.co.th/category/tablets/acer/

[9999]

Mmm, word and powerpoint docs mostly, but the word docs can be 50+ pages, and the PPP can be with added audio/video.

The Android 'Office Suite 5' pro (pay) looks pretty good and defo better for power point. I just have the trial as the spreadsheet is the same as 'Thinkfree' which is what I use most. Can insert pictures etc into Excel so powerpoint should go ok.

[Bettyboo]

I have seen the Acer Iconia Tab here at Tukom, looks pretty nifty.



ICONIA TAB W500

Acer Tablets Thailand - invadeIT

These don't seem to be Acer prices though... The seem to be overpriced for the spec/brand by a good 25-40%.

[Fondles]

I have seen the Acer Iconia Tab here at Tukom, looks pretty nifty.



ICONIA TAB W500

Acer Tablets Thailand - invadeIT

These don't seem to be Acer prices though... The seem to be overpriced for the spec/brand by a good 25-40%.

They seem to be acer prices to me, infact a quickie google search tells me the 32gb A500 is priced the same here as it is in australia and bang for buck seems to be better value that the Asus transformer.

[Bettyboo]

I'd consider the brand at a far lower pricepoint, they cannot compete head to head against Asus, HP, Fujitsu, Dell etc, imo, but it looks like they are trying to with this new product - I can see why they would want to try it, but as a consumer, I wouldn't buy into it, personally.

[Fondles]

Up to you.

[Bettyboo]

^ indeed.

When I lived in Korea, Koreans (all of them) told me that Samsung products were better than Sony, and Korean cars were better than German cars... When I started questioning the raw materials used, quality of design team, proven track record of the companies/products, etc, the Koreans just switched off and repeated that Korean products were better... Many consumers are easily fooled.

Personally, I'm interested in a bit more than what some marketing exec decides is the pricepoint for their product. Acer machines may have improved, but the quality of components, raw materials, service, longevity of product, etc, is far lower than a Fujitsu or a HP or an ASUS; I might decide to buy an Acer product (actually, I wouldn't after past experiences and feedback from friends who are computer engineers, etc), but it would need to be at a lower price point than superior brands.

Some idiots (and I'm not talking about you...) buy into marketing crap that allows companies like Apple to become massive. Some folks do not...

[harrybarracuda]

When we first started buying Acer back in the day, we had terrible problems because they were trying to save themselves a few quid by writing their own BIOS instead of using one of the industry leaders like Phoenix, AMI, etc.

And their support was absolutely rank.

Had a downer on Acer products ever since, to be honest. They've always struck me as a cheap company. No better than most Chinese ones.

[Bettyboo]

^ my thoughts too, HarryB.