Android vs. Windows

[Slufoot733]

We're looking into getting a tablet for when we travel and don't know anything about them. I see there seem to be two OS available: Android and Windows (8.1). Which OS is most user friendly. We don't need a high-end machine but don't want something that's going to bog down and lock up. Thanks for any info.

Kevin

[CATCRAW]

I have a Samsung Galaxy Note 8 - Android and love it. I have a Samsung Galaxy phone so I was already familiar with Android. I went with a WiFi only model. If I am somewhere where Wifi isn't available I can use Moble Hotspot on my smartphone to connect via Verizon plan. I find it to be very fast. There are a lot out there but I don't think there are as many apps for windows OS. Just make sure that whatever you get it has enough storage capability. I went with Samsung because I can add an SD card to increase my storage on the device.

[Slufoot733]

Thanks Cathie. I am not so tech savvy and am not so familiar with Android. But folks tell me it is user friendly and there are lots of apps available. We have laptops running Vista & Win 7. But they're bulky compared to a tablet. As for brand.....who knows. Memory is important so I'll look for good storage.
Thanks.

[Drifty1]

We run with two iPads and a gateway window 8 laptop... We love the iPads but I hate windows 8.. I think the Samsaung Galaxy table would be a good choice running android. My daughter has one and loves it and it does cost less then the ipad.. I bought a epson xp410 printer that is a small all in one unit to tale in the trailer but have not made a good test of it yet.. I would buy a wifi only unit as we use our samsung phones as hotspots with the foxfi app and so far that works great...

[jcurtis934]

Vista on a laptop, Slufoot733, now that is an oldie. And I thought I was hanging on with Windows XP... John

[cdaniels]

We have the apple Ipad and love it. If it broke I would buy another tomorrow. We bought the wifi and 3G because we don't have smart phones. We have AT & T data plan for the 3 g. You only buy data when you need it. Not locked into a monthly fee. We mostly buy data before vacation trips for when we are on the road. Once at the cg we use cg wifi. There are times that the cg wifi is so crappy that if you have 3G you can use your data plan. I like having both options available. It cost you a little more initially but it's worth having both if you don't have a smart phone. I found it super easy to learn and operate and I am extremely technical challenged. If there's any issues you take it to the Apple store and their customer service is excellent. Good luck with your decision. It definitely beats the computer on trips.

[ExPatNW]

If you have a lot of money go with the iPad. If you want a similar user experience and be able to run any app look at the Surface Pro 3 (on pre-order now), or for less money the Surface 2. I wouldn't do Droid, for various reasons including viruses/security and having your data used for targeting adverts...

[DQDick]

We are totally Apple. iPhones, iPad and Macbook Pros. Yes it's more money, but for us totally worth it.

[Trailer Trash 2]

I use the Surface Pro 2 it has windows office I had to buy the outlook calendar and contacts, also I use a BlackBerry Z-30 cell phone which is compatible with windows programs.
I can also download from the internet, and run Streets and Trips program or anything I want. The Surface and Surface 2 cant download programs like this unless its a App for the surface and 2.
I like the compactness of the pro and detachable key board. making it a tablet.
If I could use an I-pad with windows programs I would but that wont happen.

[kdeiss]

We use a Samsung Galaxy tab 3 8 inch to surf and email also carry a Dell laptop with Windows 7 for banking and business love the Galaxy

[Slufoot733]

Thanks everyone for the replies. Lot's to study for sure. We'll do our homework and see what happens. And you're right John, Vista is old school....BUT, I have a desktop downstairs running XP. I loved XP! It never gave me any problems. Oh well, time marches on without me .

[DQDick]

I agree with you on XP. Our stuff at the store ran on XP until we had to change when Microsoft quit supporting it. If it wasn't for liability when taking credit cards we wouldn't have changed.

[Captain Joe]

I have been following this for many years and it just came out. If you are in the market for a tablet and have AT&T, this is the way to go. Takes care of both cell and tablet. If you don't have AT&T, there may be another non AT&T Asus PadFone coming out. Here is a link: http://www.att.com/shop/wireless/dev...id=S0YkMZfLy11

[mlh]

I would buy Windows. I can use my Delorme Street Atlas and Topo that won't work on Android. Not that I'm fond of Windows 8.
Lynwood