Kindle Fire HDX and other tablets?

[Irulan]

I second the idea that a phone is a couple of steps this side of worthless for much more than cursory web use. Sure it can be done, but not efficiently.

[Catrin]

This is an interesting discussion. My huge desktop (a very large all in one unit) is showing signs it may not be long for this world. I've learned I can indeed get the kind of mobile connection I need for work via Android...While I don't need to make up my mind now I am starting to lean toward something like the Nook HD+, a Nexus or something like that rather than a traditional laptop or desktop. My home computing needs have really changed over the years.

My phone is large but still isn't comfortable for serious browsing. Thanks to NY Biker for starting this thread!

[Irulan]

For those of you looking to "work" on a tablet, really do some research into this. Even with an add on keyboard, many apps don't even come close to the functionality of software for ease of use and features. I know more than a few people that thought they'd be able to work off a tablet (lawyers, realtors to name a few) and you just can't do it. For writing the the occasional email sure why not but any serious word processing, spreadsheets, document editing or similar, forget it.

[Catrin]

For those of you looking to "work" on a tablet, really do some research into this. Even with an add on keyboard, many apps don't even come close to the functionality of software for ease of use and features. I know more than a few people that thought they'd be able to work off a tablet (lawyers, realtors to name a few) and you just can't do it. For writing the the occasional email sure why not but any serious word processing, spreadsheets, document editing or similar, forget it.

Good point here! If I do this, it would be mainly for reading books, magazines, checking forums and light browsing. The only real work would be to log into my computer at work and check on the status of a model run and start the next (just click a couple of buttons). Thankfully I've time to decide, at least I hope so. I've been thinking about this since last summer.

[ny biker]

The Kindle Fire HDX comes with a version of Microsoft Office, and I briefly played around with Excel and Word while I was at the store the other day. It would not be fast and easy to edit documents on that tablet. I could see the convenience of being able to view documents, though, and I think you'd be able to print them to a wireless printer.

So I agree with Irulan. Judging from the laptops that some of my coworkers are using, it's possible to get a very small, light laptop these days, and for many people they would be better suited for portable work devices than a tablet would be. Though for my job, I prefer a full-size keyboard with a numeric keypad and a much larger screen.

For me, the Kindle would be for fun, not for work.

[Crankin]

Yes, Oak, and this is why the old Kindle just for reading is fine for me. I just don't do a lot of searching or work, except on my lap top or a desktop at work. I occasionally used to have to look up something for a client, when I was going to their homes, and I would use my phone. Basically, the only sites I go to on my phone are TE and Facebook. I do buy all of my clothes on line, but I reserve that for the real laptop. The day I start ordering from Banana Republic and Athleta on my phone is the day I need an intervention! I have a subscription to Peloton Mag which goes to DH's I Pad. I absolutely hate reading it on that format, because the photography is just awesome; it's bike porn. I want to see it in print. I do get Momentum in print, as well as digital updates on line. I don't mind reading words on line, but the pictures/graphics, I don't like so much. So far, I have resisted getting a tablet, as I don't think I'll need one. We'll see. I use DH's to read the paper, as our paper delivery is horrible. It rarely arrives before 8:30. Plus, in the winter, I end up driving down the driveway to get it... bad.

[rebeccaC]

The Kindle Fire HDX comes with a version of Microsoft Office, and I briefly played around with Excel and Word while I was at the store the other day. It would not be fast and easy to edit documents on that tablet. I could see the convenience of being able to view documents, though, and I think you'd be able to print them to a wireless printer.

While there’s not the level of multitasking compared to my laptop, with my Ipad air with 128gb flash storage and CloudOn (a free IOS app) I can connect to my office and create, review and edit files using Microsoft Word, Excel and Powerpoint or with iWork's Pages, Numbers and Keynote....and yes wirelessly print, even to my Epson photo printer. My first fully optioned Macbook air 11 had basically the same power, storage and memory as my now iPad air. Technology just keeps getting faster with more usability. The Ipads/tablets will too. Even though they differently aren’t a full work replacement now for a lap/desk top they can be used for a lot more now than just a few years ago including business tasks. As I wrote earlier in this thread my iPad air is mostly for photography though.

Personally I feel my Macbook pro 15 isn’t that heavy or large to travel with if I have the workload while traveling to need it. The Macbook Air 11 can now be bought with 512gb flash storage and 8gb of memory for those who want a small, light laptop for working while traveling or even at home.

[Crankin]

I feel the same way about my older MacBook Air. It is so thin and light, I have no issues carrying it. I don't, though, usually. DH has a MacBook Pro and and a little teeny Mac Book that he uses for travel. And an I Pad (that is basically for getting stuff to our Apple TV device since we dropped cable).

[rebeccaC]

I want to see it in print. I do get Momentum in print, as well as digital updates on line. I don't mind reading words on line, but the pictures/graphics, I don't like so much.

there are some incredible high resolution screens now even on tablets!

[OakLeaf]

Well, I wasn't talking about an iPad as a complete computing solution. Only for something to take out of the home/office.

Now, granted I've been doing this since it was an infrared connection between my Palm device and a folding keyboard ... and another infrared connection between my Palm and my flip phone to get 57,600 internet. But to me, even that was preferable than hauling a laptop everywhere (which in those days, laptops weighed a whole lot more, too). And it still would've been an IR connection to a flip phone to get internet!

DocumentsToGo does an adequate job of being able to edit WP and spreadsheet files on the go, and transfer them back and forth, IME. The main reason for that is that it's compatlble with MS Office, which I don't know ANYONE who understands how that klunky, counterintuitive, useless interface became the office document standard, over beauties like Nisus Writer ... I have to think that the day is pretty close when we'll have a full-featured tablet office suite and everyone will be able to shove that MS nonsense ...

As far as screen resolution, tablets have all but the highest-end laptops beat. It's incredible stuff.



ETA ... that just reminds me of Monday when DH took a picture of me handing the One Run baton off to the next runner. She said, "What did we do before our iPhones?" I said, "Well, he used to have to wait for prints and haul a flatbed scanner everywhere." The woman is just looking at us like, "dude, it was a rhetorical question ..."

[colorisnt]

So, it depends on how much time you want to spend doing actual word processing or computing but I bought a tablet for commuting. My old laptop was getting heavy to carry back and forth and I wanted something to read things on for my dissertation (I was sick of paper and I wanted to still take notes so it works). I got the Surface Pro when it was on super-sale after seeing a colleague with one at a conference. Now, only the Pro has real compatibility with computing tasks (stats programs, a VPN for things, etc), but the Windows interface is super seamless on their tablets and I prefer it to the desktop and laptop models. The keyboard is also pretty good. 90% of the time, I find myself using the tablet and it weighs less than half that of my laptop.

But, again, I use my tablet for a LOT of computing tasks and word processing. I've made most of my lectures on it, too. It's easy. But that's what makes it worth the high cost. A Fire HD has very little utility for me because I use my phone as an internet box. The tablet is more than that and I paid for that utility. I wouldn't recommend it for someone looking to mostly use a Surface Pro 2 as an internet box.

[Catrin]

NY Biker - what did you decide to do?

I am facing a similar question this week and am trying to decide whether to go with a Kindle HDX (probably not), Nexus 7 2013 (possibly), Galaxy Tab 4 (7 inch), or Galaxy Tab Pro 8.4 (most expensive). I've placed a moratorium against any purchase until Friday - sometimes I pull triggers too quickly and wind it spending far too much. The two Tabs are both quite attractive, but if the Nexus 7 2013 will do everything I need it to do then I may go with it over the Tab 4. From what I've read, though older, the Nexus 7 2013 has a far higher resolution than the brand new Galaxy Tab 4 line, but I've read of some performance issues with the Nexus 7 that might kill it for me. Outside of the Kindle I can run the Citrix software to connect to my computer at work to click buttons (basically), which is one of the reasons I won't choose the Kindle.

[ny biker]

I'm very happy with the Kindle HDX. It's great for email, web surfing, Words with Friends. I like their Twitter app. The browser is fast and the battery lasts me for several days (with the screen brightness turned down, but I prefer it that way). The screen resolution is ridiculously good. Amazon's customer service is fantastic and the Mayday button is a great feature. The only downside was that I had some trouble with the wifi. When resetting the device didn't solve the problem, they sent me a new one (overnight shipping). It was inconvenient to deal with but they've done everything possible to fix the problem.

I've gotten some magazines from the library and a few free books from Amazon. They require you to use One-Click for digital purchases, which means you either have to let them save your credit card number or enter a gift card number. I do not want to let them store my credit card -- I just had it replaced because I used it at Target last winter when they were hacked. This has delayed my purchasing a few books that I have my eye on, since I haven't had a chance to get a gift card yet. But I haven't had much time to read lately, anyway.

Though it is easier to use the Kindle for typing emails, etc. compared to a smartphone, it is still not as easy as it is to type with 10 fingers and a regular keyboard. So the Kindle would not be useful for my job. There is some kind of VPN built into it, but I haven't looked at it because I don't want my job invading my personal time.

[Catrin]

Cool! I've a couple more questions about your experience. Given it's an Amazon device, have you noticed increased ads? Have you side loaded any apps from the Google Play Store? I've read it is easily done. Lastly, what is the thing you like least about the HDX?

[ny biker]

Cool! I've a couple more questions about your experience. Given it's an Amazon device, have you noticed increased ads? Have you side loaded any apps from the Google Play Store? I've read it is easily done. Lastly, what is the thing you like least about the HDX?

There are ads on the home page when I wake the device up. You can pay a bit extra to get rid of them, but they don't bother me. I tried to load Zinio (magazine app) from the Play Store but it downloaded to my smartphone instead. I didn't bother to try to reroute it to the Kindle because I was able to download it directly from Zinio's website to the Kindle.

The things I like least are the fact that I needed to get a new one due to the wifi problem, and the fact that Amazon requires One-Click with a stored credit card account to buy anything digital. I guess the app choices are limited; I've been able to find most of what I wanted, but I really haven't wanted very much. I've found that it can sometimes be difficult to move around an online map (like Mapquest, Bing Maps, Ridewithgps.com) using the touchscreen. I have a free version of the app that allows you to view Microsoft Office files, but have not bought the version that lets you create or edit files because I think that would be hard to do on the tablet.

Note that I haven't tried to stream any TV shows, movies or music yet, so I can't comment on that.

If you have a Best Buy near you, you can go and play around with one. I think you might also be able to try one out at Staples. I tried mine out at Best Buy first, and then bought it from them.