Tablet but which one?

[Willoughby earl of Itacarius]

I need a Tab soon for one of my laptop's is so old that it becomes unbearable slow. What I do not want is a Apple ipad, too many things are not on it, and you have to download tons of useless software added in the package.
I was thinking in the likes of Samsung or the new Kindle Fire 7 inch for just 199 dollars, they promise a lot of things, and the price is quite good.
Any suggestions?

[TheGSMoeller]

I need a Tab soon for one of my laptop's is so old that it becomes unbearable slow. What I do not want is a Apple ipad, too many things are not on it, and you have to download tons of useless software added in the package.
I was thinking in the likes of Samsung or the new Kindle Fire 7 inch for just 199 dollars, they promise a lot of things, and the price is quite good.
Any suggestions?

I have the iPad 2 which I love, but I also own an iMac so they are very compatible with each other.
On the other hand the Amazon Fire sounds delicious, I bought my wife a kindle last year and I was so impressed with it, such a great product, that I am seriously considering buying it, and yes the price is UNBEATABLE.

Not sure if that helps, but I guess I'm endorsing both of them.

[Mn Dave]

The Kindle Fire is backlit, no?

[TheGSMoeller]

The Kindle Fire is backlit, no?

Yes, It's not the same screen that the regular kindle uses, it's similar to the iPad, Not the "electronic ink".

Which by the way is amazing, we were on the beach a few weeks ago in full sunlight and there was no glare or distortion on the kindles screen.

[Mn Dave]

Which by the way is amazing, we were on the beach a few weeks ago in full sunlight and there was no glare or distortion on the kindles screen.

Yes, that's wonderful.

[AllegroVivace]

Kindle Fire is your best option. I share your distaste for Apple products. They're designed to push their useless software on you. Can't stand others making choices for me.

[TheGSMoeller]

They're designed to push their useless software on you. stand others making choices for me.

Not sure about this, I only buy the software I want or need, and I find that my iMac is more user-friendly than any other PC I've owned in the past.
Also, I am not an Apple fanatic who despises PC, I find they both have pros/cons.
I just choose to buy Apple.

[Wanderer]

too many things are not on it...

The only thing that's not on it I can think of is Flash and all for the better; it's a shitty technology and a total bloatware. Every problem I've had in the last two years (freezes, browser failings, etc.) on my PC has invariably been Flash-related. I'd recommend not installing it on your tablet, either.

Not sure about this, I only buy the software I want or need. ...

Ditto. I think the iPad is great and it works flawlessly with my PC - I'd unreservedly recommend it. However, Harry, if you don't want Apple (although as far as tablets go, the iPad is currently the all-around winner) I, too,  believe the new Amazon tablet is your best option; wait and read some reviews when it finally comes out to decide if it's good for you. However, don't for a moment think that a tablet (any tablet) is completely going to supplant your notebook - they're not as powerful or all-around practical devices yet. Think of it as a convenient, carry-around alternative for light use and internet browsing.

[Willoughby earl of Itacarius]

Yes Tasos I realize all these things. I for one like the ipad very much, its a swell design. On a different note, I will have soon the Samsung mobile phone Samsung Galaxy Note with a 5.3 inch screen, although not nearly big enough for me to replace my laptop its a very mobile start for me. What I want to do with the Tab is only emails and internet really, with some decent battery time. The Amazon Fire is not yet on the market, but its screen is not big enough for me, some 7.3 inches. I require the size of a ipad. Unfortunately Apple is out of the question, for too many sites where I go too still use flash instead of the new HTML 5 standard. It has no room for a memory card, no USB port, and this I really need.

[Coopmv]

The only thing that's not on it I can think of is Flash and all for the better; it's a shitty technology and a total bloatware. Every problem I've had in the last two years (freezes, browser failings, etc.) on my PC has invariably been Flash-related. I'd recommend not installing it on your tablet, either.

Ditto. I think the iPad is great and it works flawlessly with my PC - I'd unreservedly recommend it. However, Harry, if you don't want Apple (although as far as tablets go, the iPad is currently the all-around winner) I, too,  believe the new Amazon tablet is your best option; wait and read some reviews when it finally comes out to decide if it's good for you. However, don't for a moment think that a tablet (any tablet) is completely going to supplant your notebook - they're not as powerful or all-around practical devices yet. Think of it as a convenient, carry-around alternative for light use and internet browsing.

I think I may go for the Amazon Kindle Fire.  At any rate, Windows 8 will be released next year and a slew of new tablet computers are expected to be running Windows 8, which should be much more mobility-friendly.

[SonicMan46]

Hi Harry - aren't you the one that started a post on another Apple product? 

Susan & I are on a short trip to Wrightsville Beach on the North Carolina coast (just a 4 hr drive for us & a favorite Atlantic coastal spot) - I've had the Apple iPad2 since April (talked into a purchase by our son!) - I'm sitting in our hotel room hearing the sounds of the ocean while composing this message on the iPad (have not brought along my PC laptop for our last 3 trips) - Wi-Fi connection (free in the room) was easy on the device, and email can certainly be done.

As to browsing the web, Safari is decent; also have Atomic Web - Flash is of course out of the question at the moment at least - I'm using the Apple Bluetooth keyboard which I feel is a MUST in typing a reply of this length (but others may disagree?); the interface can by a little clunky, i.e. a combination of typing and tapping the iPad screen (yes, you can get use to it, but...); plus, these Apple browsers on this device have limitations, e.g. in posting & linking images - I'm still struggling w/ this option.

But, the iPad will serve those 2 purposes and is really convenient to carry on a trip and check through an airport - I'll continue to try this option although I still prefer my regular laptop - let us know if you have needs for the iPad other than email & web browsing; it is a little 'neat' machine - Dave