Learn me: tablets that don't suck

I kinda covered this in the minor rant thread. Figured I'd turn it into a question for the hive.

I want a tablet that doesn't suck.

Wants:

Not Windows, because I want my my music to keep playing when the screen is off, and would really like some better apps. I have Windows tablets, and I'm kinda done with them.

A good rugged case. Something with rubber and plastic. Alternately, it could just be a rugged tablet.

A good chance of updates. There are monthly Android security updates. Pixel and Nexus devices handle them well. Apple also handles updates well. I don't want to be afraid​ of conference WiFi because I don't have the May 2017 Android update.

I want a small tablet - 7 or 8 inches.

I'd like USB-C. I'll settle for Lighting. I'm sick of having to constantly replace micro-USB. I'll settle for it if I have to. I already have an investment in USB-C stuff. If it's micro-USB, I'd like it to support OTG+charging.

I'd like it to not be over the hill already. The iPad mini 4 and Pixel C are both from 2015. I think the Nvidia Shield tablet is also from 2015.

Samsung also doesn't appear to be making a Galaxy Tab S3 8.0. The S2 8.0 is getting a little old, but is probably one of my better candidates.

I too had noticed that there is no "newest models" on the Android tablet market like there are on the Android phone market.

I like the shield. Just the right size. You might be waiting a little while for the USB C.

The tablet market is stagnant due to the glut of Android devices that hit the market along with the general costs of the Apple iPads. So people are using the ones they have until they die and/or they use their phones with their larger screens.

I suspect the iPad Mini will be updated in November, just in time for the Holiday season. They typically update them between phone updates.

I can't find anything better than my Nexus 7, and that's kind of depressing.

mazdeuce wrote: I can't find anything better than my Nexus 7, and that's kind of depressing.

I know, right? A 2017 Nexus 7 would do it. A little more speed, a USB-C port, Nougat. Perfect.

There is a newly released Fire tablet lineup that looks decent. I haven't read how easy it is to get the Play Store on yet though. I have last years Fire 7 and really like it the little bit that I use it. I also have an iPad mini that I like a lot. I like it so much that I'm considering a full sized iPad. (I have been anti windows and anti apple for a long time, so this is saying a lot)

Stefan wrote: The tablet market is stagnant due to the glut of Android devices that hit the market along with the general costs of the Apple iPads. So people are using the ones they have until they die and/or they use their phones with their larger screens. I suspect the iPad Mini will be updated in November, just in time for the Holiday season. They typically update them between phone updates.

Or there's just no compelling reason to update - most of them are used for pretty light duty, and if your current device works fine why change it? That's what's happening in our house.

There is a new iPad that's got a pretty good price point, but it's bigger than your spec at the classic 9.7".

We've got a house full of iPads. Even the first generation one (which is mine, because the wife and kids have no use for it) still works as well as it did the day it was new. Latest purchase was an Apple factory refurb iPad Mini 4 for Son #2. Being a cheapskate anti-technology Neo-Luddite, I was prepared to hate the iPad. Alas, there is no hate. None of the many we own has ever given a hint of trouble. Wife and kids love them. What can I say?

Nothing better than the iPad. I have owned every generation and am picking up a new Pro soon for work. I use it for tablet stuff, not computer stuff, so I am pretty happy with it's performance.