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I'd like to get a Windows Tablet: help me decide.

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wraith808:
I was thinking that my Nook might be the gateway into Android for me.  But It's turned out to be the exact opposite- I just use it for reading.-wraith808 (October 27, 2014, 10:16 AM)
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Is the Nook even really Android? I mean, yes, I know it's built on Android. But the Amazon Kindle devices built on Android are so customized that they're not really Android (IMO). I would never recommend an Amazon Android device to someone who was interested in getting into Android, because Amazon changes the experience so drastically that it's not really the same thing anymore.

It's a bit like saying you're interested in vampire lore, then exposing yourself to only the Twilight series and then saying you just can't get into vampires. Or something. :P
-Deozaan (October 27, 2014, 01:55 PM)
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Yes, the nook is android.  It's the Samsung S with a couple of widgets and a different nook app.  I had someone with one that's an avid android fan look at it for me.  It has a widget for the library, a widget for shopping (which I've removed) and a widget for store search (which I've removed), and the on-screen button in the lower left has different functionality.  But other than that, it's just Android.

wraith808:
P.S. I did experiment with a bluetooth keyboard + iPad combination. But the whole thing about propping up the iPad at the right angle, missing certain keyboard shortcuts, etc. just drove it home to me that the laptop format (albeit the Chromebook variety) has specific advantages to offer even on the go (such as balancing things on your knees, having the screen at the right angle etc.)
-dr_andus (October 27, 2014, 11:59 AM)
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I use the logitech case/keyboard and it gets rid of those concerns about propping it up.

http://www.logitech.com/en-us/product/ultrathin-keyboard-folio-for-ipad-mini

dr_andus:
I use the logitech case/keyboard and it gets rid of those concerns about propping it up.
-wraith808 (October 27, 2014, 03:22 PM)
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That does look like a very nice case... But I think this is a horses for courses type of situation. Some people will be happy with that sorts of setup, others won't.

When it comes to mobile productivity for me (which means being away from my office and desktop for a day or longer), here's what matters to me:
- a decent keyboard (Apple Wireless Keyboard size and type) - my HP Chromebook 14 is exactly that size.
- ability to use the device on my lap for several hours (when on a long train journey or flight).
- ability to position screen at whatever angle I like.
- access to my specialised Windows software (i.e. sync PC with XP netbook or have wifi access via Chrome Remote Desktop on Chromebook. Unfortunately my netbook's keyboard is crap, so I'd bring along the Apple Wireless Keyboard, if it's a long stay).
- long battery life (6-8 hrs).
- decent screen size (or ability to virtually extend screen size).

Now, Surface Pro 3 could tick the boxes for having the specialist Win software. I hear that the keyboard is apparently pretty good. But I also hear people complaining that it's a pain to balance the thing on their knees and that it gets hot...

If I had the money for it, I would probably consider it. But even then I wonder if a Macbook Air running Windows might not be better option for productivity itself, or some other high end Win ultrabook, given my needs...

wraith808:
If I had the money for it, I would probably consider it. But even then I wonder if a Macbook Air running Windows might not be better option for productivity itself, or some other high end Win ultrabook, given my needs...
-dr_andus (October 27, 2014, 08:27 PM)
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That's why I have a macbook pro.  And will probably upgrade to a macbook air.  Also, after playing around with it... the mac isn't so bad on its own merits...

dr_andus:
Speaking of productivity and iPads, Rui Carmo's thoughts' on the matter (he comes down on the side of the Surface):

iPad at a Crossroads - Tao of Mac

Apple is constantly shirking away from letting the iPad become a productivity tool, and it’s going to cost them in the long run.
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P.S. And the article he links to is an interesting one as well:

iPad at a Crossroads + Subtraction.com

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