Since the Hive knows all...
Long story, but I need to be able to take notes in a space where I can't use paper. So I finally have to buy a tablet. Larger the better. Maybe I'll use it for other stuff eventually, but that is not the primary goal right now. It's basically for work. Needs:
Large display. 10" minimum. Larger the better within $ reason.
Stylus. I need to be able to draw/write on it accurately and quickly. I will usually be marking up a PDF file.
Load PDF's to internal memory. No "cloud" or anything as I'm often in facilities with no cell service or internet access, so it basically needs to be able to operate while disconnected to any network.
Some type of USB port to connect it to a regular computer to download the marked up files.
Not really brand loyal, but I lean towards something Android based since that is what I'm used to. I need to have this up and operation by early next week, so my learning curve needs to be limited (for example, whenever I have to use my mother's iPhone, it drives me nuts).
Thanks.
Are you thinking ipad but not Apple or more like a MS surface pro style tablet?
I'm not categorically opposed to an iPad, but I would rather not learn a new interface. Plus, if I can pick it up at my local Staples tomorrow, that would be key as it would give me the weekend to figure out how to make it do what I want before Tuesday morning when I have to go on-site and use it.
Oh... and one odd thing is it can't have an integrated keyboard. As much as that would be nice, for what I need it for, it needs to be as slim and crevice-free as possible.
I'm a massive Android fanboi and was looking at this for my daughter's (now at home) schooling.
Short answer is I bought a wifi only iPad and Apple Pencil.
Surface tablets were pretty expensive comparatively, Chromebooks have a pretty E36 M3 lifespan, and nearly every new Android tablet is running a two generation old version of the Android OS, which will never be brought current by the manufacturer.
The only thing that made sense in that form factor was the iPad.
In reply to Ian F (Forum Supporter) :
Budget?
There isn't really that much going on with higher-end Android tablets, so I suspect you probably have to look at iPad Pros or surface pros. IIRC there may be an aftermarket stylus that works with a regular iPad as well, but that might be wishful thinking from my end.
In reply to BoxheadTim :
There's a number of 3rd party stylus's for the iPad. The best amongst them is the Logitech Crayon.
I preferred the Pencils slimmer profile personally. It was $20 more though.
Some of the 30 and 40 dollar styluses are supposed to be pretty good but there even the best rates ones had a bunch of comments about the carbon fiber tips scratching the screens.
The0retical (Forum Supporter) said:
The only thing that made sense in that form factor was the iPad.
Form factor was what I meant by my question as the iPad style tablets are a completely different form factor than a Surface Pro. Surface Pro is more like a miniaturized laptop.
I guess my problem is I need it for a very specific task. Marking up PDFs in the field without WiFi access. PDF's will be manually loaded from a USB connection to my laptop, so the tablet needs to "look" like a thumbdrive to a Windows computer. Nothing more. Nothing less. Maybe I'll use it for other stuff eventually, but right now that is what I need. And I need it fast.
BoxheadTim said:
In reply to Ian F (Forum Supporter) :
Budget?
There isn't really that much going on with higher-end Android tablets, so I suspect you probably have to look at iPad Pros or surface pros. IIRC there may be an aftermarket stylus that works with a regular iPad as well, but that might be wishful thinking from my end.
I'd rather not spend any more than $400. This thing will get the crap beat out of it in the field.
I have an older Samsung Galaxy 10.1" tablet. It is an Android based OS and it comes with a stylus that slides into the side. It is similar to an iPad. It also has a slot for an SD or microSD card for extra memory capacity (been so long I don't remember which). The cord that came with it can be used to connect it to a computer and transfer files. I only use it for browsing the web, playing videos, and playing music so I don't know if it can do what you need, but I imagine it can if the software you need is in the Google Play Store...Looks like newer versions are available at Staples and for $400 or less.
I just got off the phone with a computer/IT friend and it looks like what I'll have to do is go to the local Staples and see what they have and what I can make work. Especially after mentioning whatever I get will need to also work while inside a Ziploc bag (which I'll be taking with me when I go shopping). If I had more time, I'd just put this entire task on my IT dept and make them buy the tablet for me. But I need it tomorrow, so my options will be limited to what I can actually get now.
For better or worse, this is what I feared would be the case, but I was hoping someone would say, "oh yeah... I've done that too - get one of these..."
A standard large zip lock is 1 gallon but there are 2 gallon sized also available at all retailers (Walmart, Target, grocery, etc)
This may become a factor for when you add a drop resistant case to the tablet therefore making it lager.
Edit.
I just went to my kitchen and got these dimensions of 1 gal and 2 gal for you.
In reply to John Welsh (Moderate Supporter) :
The bags are one-gallon size. It won't get a case.
After an afternoon meeting, I'll be off to the local Staples to see what they have that I can make work.
In reply to Ian F (Forum Supporter) :
I might hit a Best Buy or a Costco if I wanted a decent tablet, but generally most will have a micro USB port and/or a microSD card slot. With the MicroUSB port you can connect a cable to or a USB drive via an OTG adapter. The MicroSD slot can be used to transfer files from a PC/MAC
Download the Adobe app from the Google Play store and you should be fine.
A stylus just needs to match the type of screen, but generally ones made for use with tablets while gloved should work just fine.
Go with a Lenovo or Samsung over an Amazon as they are closer to the original Google Android OS and therefore tend to be better supported by apps and accessories. You'll want the fastest processor and newest version of the OS.
Just a cautionary note: Ziploc bags are going to offer no drop protection. Dropping a naked tablet on a hard surface is probably the leading cause of tablet death.
In reply to 1988RedT2 :
The ziploc bag isn't for protecting the tablet. It's for protecting the environment where I'll be using it from the tablet and whatever might be on it. The tablet goes in the bag, then the bag gets cleaned with alcohol and other cleaners.
If I had time, I would look at something Best Buy or Costco. As I don't, I'll end up with whatever Staples has since that store is closest to me.
Related: Recommendations for 1) cheap stylus for an android tablet 2) cheap (free?) software for very basic sketching?
Think brainstorming type sketching, except working from home where I don't have a printer.
The Sony DPT-CP1 Digital Paper seems to be made specificially for your use case - viewing and marking up PDF documents. It's under $400, and Amazon, at least to my zip, says they can deliver on Monday.
https://www.sony.com/electronics/digital-paper-notepads/dpt-series#product_details_default
https://www.amazon.com/Sony-DPT-CP1-10-Digital-Paper/dp/B07BYKZ9P3
If you had time for this, the Remarkable 2 looks like a contender too. I've been considering one. Their preorder system is talking about September delivery right now, which is a little crazy, particularly in this economy.
https://remarkable.com/
