Latest News

News June 2013

Published on 28 June 2013  | Download | back to previous

I am biased, not in any way that will get me un-invited to cool parties but in the fairly unimportant mac/android /windows tablet argument way. Tablets range from few quid (second hand junk) to thousands, offering different speeds, operating systems etc. It is an important decision for us technocrats/geeks/device lovers that is a touch daunting.

I should clarify my position before all the mac users start throwing apples at the office. So let me air a few arguments I had with myself on the tablet front.

IPAD

Apple users claim an Ipad is easier to use :- it would be if you're an apple user! Probably not as user friendly to a PC user.
It was the first and the best:- most first versions of new technology are subsequently improved upon and often a lot cheaper than the first to market (There we others but they all essentially failed).
Top of the IPad Market :- IPad 4

(Many would argue that Ipad 4 isn’t that much of a change from Ipad 3. The biggest change is the screen resolution, making it more colourful and giving the colours more, well, colour.)

Android

It's open source:- so what.... most people would not even know what it meant so why is it important - it's probably irrelevant.
They are cheaper for equivalent power than an Ipad, true but the price was because it was the first and no competition. I am sure they will get cheaper.
Price for power :- Androd have the cheapest tablets in the market for roughly the same processing power as the IPads, if not more.
Top of the Android Market :- Google Nexus 10, Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1, Sony Xperia Tablet Z

Windows surface

Ok, I must admit this device is extremely cool but at nearly 900 quid so actually it is just too pricey, however it is a laptop that is also a tablet so it must be a benefit to business users.
Microsoft has always been the leading competitor when it comes to software, selling millions worldwide and making billions it has always been seen as the worlds no.1 software supplier.
This unit is stylish, excellent keyboard, useful kick-stand and its detachable keyboard/tablet arrangement make it very flexible.
Top of the Windows Market :- Microsoft Surface Pro

If this little piece changes your mind on which tablet you will buy I will be surprised. I think most people are pretty entrenched and it's like trying to convince someone marmite tastes great. If you have an Iphone you almost certainly will buy an Ipad, if you have an android phone it's an android tablet. If you are a business user with a healthy budget it may be any of them but certainly the windows surface is cool.

Most people who get a tablet tend to have had a smart phone, and in which case I would tell them to go for the same operating system as it will enable them to do more with their tablet.

However, they are all blinkin` great, I always wanted a hover car and I cannot see that happening but we are using pads like Star Trek used in the sixties so progress is slower than expected but I live in hope for the car.

Have a good month.

PS

TCRM now own a Nexus 10