Tablets / I Pad -Need Some Advice

[barmy]

Hi folks,

My wife wants a tablet /ii pad for christmas and after further questioning she wants to use it for reading books, music and using facebook.

Not being a tablet user can these things be done on any tablet /I pad , would a Kindle do the same thing and do folk have any good / bad buys to guide me.

Thanks for your help,

Simon

[VHG]

All tablets can do pretty much what she wants.

All tablets need an operating system (rather like your PC uses Windows).

There are two main operating system camps at the moment

1) iPad that run the iOS operating system

2) Lots of other tablets that run the Android operating system (supplied by Google)

(There are other tablet operating systems and Microsoft are trying to get in the market with their version of Windows but they are playing catch up).

The Apple iPad is the only tablet that runs iOS, but you do pay a premium for it being an Apple.

Many tablets run Android like the Samsung Galaxy, the Google Nexus and so on.

The Amazon Kindle runs Android, but it has been heavily modified to work closely with the Amazon web site (they want you to download books and music from their web site so they make money that way).

The Tesco Hudl also runs Android.

The important thing with any tablet is to be able to get to the "App Store" where you can download applications. Apple have their own App Store (for Apps that run on iOS) and Google have their App store (for Apps that run on Android).

Some cheap tablets from China DONT give access to the App store so stick to a name brand.

The Kindle Fire HD has been reduced to £119 (costs more for more memory etc) and that would probably be a good stating point for a new user.

Amazon.co.uk User Recommendation

[CheekyChops]

I've just had a Nexus 7 tablet (2013 version) and I love it.

7" inch screen and runs on android, google the reviews, its excellent value for money.

Tesco have just bought out the Hudl, £119 and I believe they are very good value as well, especially if you can use club card deals and get it cheaper.

[hc4361]

I love my Nexus 7 too and it has a huge advantage over the Kindle - I can download books from my local library (as well as libraries in other counties).

I really don't see that an iPad can do anything a good Android can't.

[VHG]

I have also just bought the 7 inch Google Nexus 2013 version at £199.

This is made by Google (actually made by ASUS FOR Google) and has the best resolution screen of any 7" tablet on sale (1920 x 1200).

It has had excellent reviews, but it does run a "pure" version of Android and I think for a new user the Kindle Fire may be more user friendly.

However if you can stretch to £199 then the Google Nexus is an excellent tablet.

[Zacs-Master]

I've had my iPad for about 2.5 years now. At the time there wasn't the plethora of tablets there are now and i doubt I would go for one again as others seem to provide the same facilities for a lot less money. Having said that, I haven't had one moments trouble with the ipad and they are a beautiful piece of kit.

[Davethedog]

Also if you get a Nexus - You can download the Kindle app, which allows you to access all Kindle books, including your library if you have one.

[woofgang]

I am on my second ipad and am addicted. You can put Kindle on it and also ibooks comes with it. Ipads are the most expensive option but lovely IMO, especially the mini. If I were you I would take her out to the shops (or send her) to play with all the different makes and models that she can find and to get a feel for which she likes best.

[murraymints]

I love kindle fire...half the price of ipad....and does all you have listed...

[barmy]

Thanks to all the respondees, some food for thought there!

[Ric.ror]

I have only just got mine and the reason I got the ipad was because I have an iphone so (I think) it synchs with that

[VHG]

Yes, if a person already has an iphone then an ipad makes more sense.

But if a person has a Google email account and uses Google a lot an Android makes more sense.

[mikey4444]

Can I put in a good word for the Samsung GALAXY Tab 2, 7 inch ? I bought one form Tesco this January and am very pleased with it. I was in TESCO this morning and they have them on sale for £139, half the price of a Ipad. It does everything that you need it to, and I think it presents excellent value for money.