Need tablet advice

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ros_b

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Hi all

I've never really looked into tablets, since I need a proper decent laptop to do my job. But I'm going overseas on holiday and was thinking that a lightweight tablet might be better to take with than my laptop. Basically, I want to be able to get emails and surf the web.

I know that many smartphones can do this, but I find the keyboards on those smartphones difficult to use. So I'm looking for a recommendation on a cheap-ish tablet with Wifi and 3G.

Another question - if you buy a tablet without 3G, can you stick in a 3G dongle, like I would into my laptop, and thereby access the Internet on the tablet?

Thanks!
 
Get tablet with 3G. Wi-Fi hotspot connections become an irritation after a while..

If Android OEM's were better with getting updates out to users I could have recommended an Android tablet but as things are at present Android tablets are for geeks willing to tinker (and lose warranties).
 
Cheaper new 16GB iPad 2 with Wi-Fi and 3G will do perfectly. Lots of excellent accessories.
 
Btw, typing on a large touch screen isn't much better than on a small one.
 
ros_b said:
But iPads are so expensive.... and I don't have any other Apple devices.
Click to expand...

You don't need any other Apple devices ... iPad is perfect on its own. iPad 2 is still perfectly fine and cheaper now. If you can get a 2nd hand iPad 2 in perfect condition from someone who upgraded to the new iPad 3 you'll do well.
 
ros_b said:
Hi all

I've never really looked into tablets, since I need a proper decent laptop to do my job. But I'm going overseas on holiday and was thinking that a lightweight tablet might be better to take with than my laptop. Basically, I want to be able to get emails and surf the web.

I know that many smartphones can do this, but I find the keyboards on those smartphones difficult to use. So I'm looking for a recommendation on a cheap-ish tablet with Wifi and 3G.

Another question - if you buy a tablet without 3G, can you stick in a 3G dongle, like I would into my laptop, and thereby access the Internet on the tablet?

Thanks!
Click to expand...

You can't stick a 3G dongle into a tablet, regardless of brand.

I would recommend an iPad 2 with 3G (R5299)
However, if 5K is a bit much, took @ MSI tablet for 2K (Don't expect too much for that price)
http://www.takealot.com/electronics/laptops-pcs-tablets-231/msi-windpad-enjoy-7-tablet,10809404

Or Asus Eee Pad for R4.7K (not sure if it has 3G)
http://www.kalahari.com/electronics...5105767.aspx?gclid=COTvxo7ph7ECFWJItAodVly98w
 
Cell c has the huawei s7 slim tablet for R99 pm. Good tablet. My advice, get it at least 2 weeks b4 u leave so you have time to find all the appz u need
 
dheshenp said:
Cell c has the huawei s7 slim tablet for R99 pm. Good tablet. My advice, get it at least 2 weeks b4 u leave so you have time to find all the appz u need
Click to expand...
+1
I have one and its amazing to use. Small and lightweight. Typing this on there.
 
dheshenp said:
Cell c has the huawei s7 slim tablet for R99 pm. Good tablet. My advice, get it at least 2 weeks b4 u leave so you have time to find all the appz u need
Click to expand...

Mmmmm, now that looks eminently do-able... the device gets some good reviews, presumably you have to sign a 2-yr contract... but still comes out at only R2400 over 2 years. I may just go for that...
 
VG008 said:
You can't stick a 3G dongle into a tablet, regardless of brand.
Click to expand...

Erm, not too well informed are you...

There are several OTG Android tablets out there that can handle a 3g USB modem.
 
Just remember that whatever tablet you take.....


Don't use a local sim while out of the country. Get a sim where you are going or you could end up with a 10k+ bill after returning.
 
BigAl-sa said:
Erm, not too well informed are you...

There are several OTG Android tablets out there that can handle a 3g USB modem.
Click to expand...

+1. Did it with my Asus Transformer.

Don't bother with an iPad (had one, sold it). If you want to do basic stuff and don't mind 10 million screen presses to do them, then fine. Otherwise Android is the way forward. Can do all the basics, and then some.
 
ros_b said:
Mmmmm, now that looks eminently do-able... the device gets some good reviews, presumably you have to sign a 2-yr contract... but still comes out at only R2400 over 2 years. I may just go for that...
Click to expand...

yep 2 year contract but u get the usual free 100 minutes or something.

Got mine at the 8ta hotspot sale for 50 bux a month. Had to call ten stores n swear everyone. Its totally worth it.

As for the 3g dongle, u will look silly with a tablet with a dongle sticking out of it. This has built in hsupa or something. Its dam fast to download. All u do is get a sim when u there with data bundle.
 
dheshenp said:
As for the 3g dongle, u will look silly with a tablet with a dongle sticking out of it. This has built in hsupa or something. Its dam fast to download. All u do is get a sim when u there with data bundle.
Click to expand...

Lol... yes, I get that you should have a SIM in the device itself, but I already have an 8ta contract with 10GB per month that I never use up, so it seems pointless to be paying for more data on a different SIM when I already have spare data.

If I get a tablet on contract with Cell C, can I put my 8ta SIM in it?
 
Yes put ur 8ta sim in it but u obviously know of 8ta singnal coverage
 
ros_b said:
Lol... yes, I get that you should have a SIM in the device itself, but I already have an 8ta contract with 10GB per month that I never use up, so it seems pointless to be paying for more data on a different SIM when I already have spare data.

If I get a tablet on contract with Cell C, can I put my 8ta SIM in it?
Click to expand...

But if you're going overseas the similar will need to be roaming and that costs, also look at tabletworld.co.za the colpad 2 costs just over a grand and you can plug a 3g USB single in it.
 
The way the advice is going on this thread this is going to end up with a purchase at Toy Kingdom.
 
If you can't afford a proper tablet made by a reputable tablet manufacturer then you can't afford a tablet. Period.
 
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