iPad or Android Tablet

[SiLeakHunt]

I'm due to make a purchase of one of these items, and I'm weighing up the relative merits.

iPads seem to have better Apps but if I want to watch movies I've downloaded I'm going to have to convert MP4's AVI files etc to Mac Format.

Android/Tablets are cheaper, but the Apps aren't as good and may need updating more often, but wont have trouble watching films.

Anybody know about the pluses and minuses of either machine ? Anybody know how easy file conversion is for iPad ? Anybody know how virus friendly either machine is ? Truth in the rumour that you need an Apple Mac PC if you're buying an Ipad ?

Cheers

[jizzybloke]

I don't understand why the Android apps are not as good or would need updating more often than apple apps??

[Bettyboo]

Sony Xperia Z is the best tablet currently available.

If you're watching a movie and are close to a tv then you can easily watch it on that tv with an Xperia Z. With an iPad, you will need some extra bits of hardware (and maybe s/w depending on what exactly you are trying to connect to and how).

Regarding apps; both platforms have lots and lots of excellent apps.

iTunes can be a pain in the arse.

If you are willing to completely buy into the Apple environment then it works very well with everything else Apple, and most things not Apple as long as you have whatever extra dongle (and potentially a s/w download) required.

Android is generally an easier experience in multiple environments.

Either way, for similar money, the Sony Xperia Z is better than the iPad 4; especially for watching movies. Google it.

People who have owned both generally complain about iTunes...

Edit to add: if you are downloading movies then the Sony Bravia engine will 'upgrade' the file to HD quailty. I'm not aware of any other comparable bit of kit. I have the Xperia Z phone (very similar in many ways), and the video playback with Sony Bravia engine crucifies the iPhone. If you are downloading films then watching them on your tablet or even outputting to a tv from time to time, then I very strongly suggest you read up about the Sony Xperia Z tablet - it's excellent in this area; and Android is very flexible; wghich iTunes is not...

[Butterfly]

it really depends on your computer level of retardness,

if you are a complete retard, then go the iPad route, and you will deserve all the pains you get from it with all the silly and painful conversions and the annoying and overloaded upgrades

if you are less retarded, go Android, more flexibility, more apps, more free apps, and basically everything else

it really depends on who you are,

[PAG]

My wife has the latest iPad, and we both use Android phones. The iPad has to be synced with iTunes (in our case it's to an iMac) but not sure if this can be both to either Mac or PC iTune source. Putting music and/or video into iTunes needs it to be converted to Mp3/Mp4 respectively. The converter that I use is Emicsoft Video Converter for Mac (I convert a lot as I use Apple TV which takes the video/music source from iTunes on an iMac to watch on a large screen TV).

One downside with iOS (OS of iPad) is that there's no app for Windows Office (unlike the OS for Mac). If you want to be able to open attachments from emails (such as Word/Excel) that's not going to happen.

Bottom line, everything for an iPad (or an iPhone for that matter) has to be funneled through an iTunes account. Maybe others have found a work around, but I'm not aware of any.

Knowing what I do now about Android, I would probably go for a Samsung Galaxy Tab, which offers 7" and 10.1" screen size (and I believe 8" coming soon).

[Butterfly]

iTunes can be a pain in the arse.

that's an understatement,

[SiLeakHunt]

iTunes can be a pain in the arse.

that's an understatement,

I know that already

[Bettyboo]

Knowing what I do now about Android, I would probably go for a Samsung Galaxy Tab, which offers 7" and 10.1"

These are expensive for what they are with relatively poor quality screens. The build quality and look 'n feel are also very 'Samsung'/plasticky...

Here is a review of the top ten 2013 tablets by a decent source (certainly not pro-Sony):

Best tablet 2013: our top 10 ranking | News | TechRadar

"With a super slim chassis, impressive screen and whole glut of Sony extras on board, the Xperia Tablet Z is one of the finest pieces of kit we've seen in 2013. Its quality abounds the moment you take it out your bag, and the speedy internals and impressive weight are enough for us to recommend it wholeheartedly."

[Dillinger]

A good value one and highly rated is the asus padfone which I bought the niece., about 8000 baht for a 7 inch which does it all.

It is number 2 in in stuff uk's chart
http://www.stuff.tv/asus/asus-fonepad/review-0

Is it a viable phone alternative? Perhaps it doesn’t matter. Perhaps what really matters is that this seems to essentially be a Google Nexus 7 (also made by Asus, of course) with added 3G and a couple of other nifty features for just £20 extra. It’s Asus versus Asus, and we’re excited.

[Jesus Jones]

10.1 Samsung now going for a little over 9K. Just bought one to watch movies and play music in the bedroom.

[beazalbob69]

I guess it really come down to if you want to pay more for less or get more for less money. Do you care about image over functionality? I honestly don't even see a choice between an I-Anything or an Anything else. People only buy Apple for the Image anybody with any technical knowledge whatsoever would already know the answer to this.

If money is not a factor (which seeing as how you consider an Ipad an option clearly means it isn't) then just pick one of the Android Tablet's that are around the same price as an Ipad and you cant possibly go wrong. You will get much, much more for your money but you won't look as cool to all the douchbags sitting out in front of Starbuck's.

[Dillinger]

^ Nailed it there Bob.

That asus fonepad was nearly half the price of an ipad mini which has less functionality.

[beazalbob69]

A good value one and highly rated is the asus padfone which I bought the niece., about 8000 baht for a 7 inch which does it all.

It is number 2 in in stuff uk's chart
Asus FonePad Review | Stuff

Is it a viable phone alternative? Perhaps it doesn’t matter. Perhaps what really matters is that this seems to essentially be a Google Nexus 7 (also made by Asus, of course) with added 3G and a couple of other nifty features for just £20 extra. It’s Asus versus Asus, and we’re excited.

I have bought many computer parts made by ASUS over the years (Motherboards, video cards, even my I-Mobile I-Style 7 which I believe is made by ASUS) They make very good products. I would recommend anything made by them.

[Bettyboo]

If OP wants a small 7" tablet then the the Google Nexus 7 (new version, made by ASUS) is the best bang for buck, and a good piece of kit.

If OP wants a 'fullsize' tablet then the Nexus 10 (Samsung made?) is good, as is the iPad 4, but the Xperia Z tablet is better; especially for watching videos downloaded from torrent sites.

OP, I suggest you go to somewhere like Panthip or Central (either powerbuy or their have a whole level of electronics stores) and play around with the kit to see the differences for yourself.

[blue]

I'm deciding between the New , nexus 7 2 , and Asus memo HD ,
sure the nexus beats the Asus on most things but no slot for a memory card ...
The Asus is more or less the old Nexus 1 + back camera and a card slot.

2 questions anyone
Do you really need Such a high res screen ?

I have a basic Wacom Bamboo drawing tablet i'd like to use with this tablet , when I plug it into my PC i think it's recognized and treated just like a mouse ,
so can you plug a mouse into these 7'' tablets ?

[Dillinger]

Do you really need Such a high res screen ?

Your eyes cant see that many pixels close up anyway, that's why the ipads display is named retina.

Also, those full HD movies will eat up your memory.

[Dillinger]

so can you plug a mouse into these 7'' tablets ?

why would you wanna plug a mouse into a touchscreen tablet ?

[SiLeakHunt]

which is best for games ?

[Bettyboo]

The Xperia Z, obviously, it's Playstation certified with the fastest processor and best screen...

[blue]

so can you plug a mouse into these 7'' tablets ?

why would you wanna plug a mouse into a touchscreen tablet ?

So I can use my bamboo drawing tablet on it as it it has a pressure sensitive pen, with apps like sketchbook pro.
It's a pad and the pen on it moves the mouse cursor on the screen you are using , or the brush in the app,

[hazz]

It relly depends upon your needs.

it really depends upon whats importent too you. If your doing lots of reading and the near newprint quaity of a ipad3 display makes reading that much more pleasent.... then its apple.

if you want to have a tablet which you really own and can do what you want without hitting but "apple they say you cannot do that" walls then buy an android.

fundamentally both are the same thing, a screen with browser and apps that do more or less the same thing. The fundimental difference is that with apple you are buying into opinionated hardware where apple dictate and control what can and cannot be done, you get a cleaner more integrated product.... but at the cost of less flexibility.

my own opinion from when I last took a serious look, 12 months ago, was android made much better phones and ios better tablets. Personally I find myself running a mix of the two. they both do the job, they are both good enough and we benefit from the two completing and feeding off each other.... and long may this battle for dominance continue

[jacobh15]

I bought an iPad 4 32gb. The screen is utterly beautiful and crystal clear, its wicked fast, and the apps on the appStore are amazing. GC on the iPad too is awesome. If you can, or want, try getting the one with 3G, or data connection. I wish I did to be honest. That way when you are on the move you wont have to search for a good wifi connection.

HOWEVER

If you want to have customization, the freedom to make it look all cool with novelties, android might be better. Either way you will have a ton of fun and won't be let down with whatever you choose.

In my opinion though, I have had the chance to use both. The iPad feels better in my hands and just feels better built, the screen is nicer, and its a lot faster. Just my opinion.