Android tablet or Chromebook
Discussion
My mum isn't very computer savvy, but has got used to using an Android tablet. It's due to be replaced as it's getting quite slow, and I am considering getting her a Chromebook instead, as I thought it would make it easier for emailing and web browsing due to having a keyboard.
I haven't used a Chromebook myself, so was wondering if you can use Android, is it an easy transition to Chrome OS? I was thinking of getting a 2 in 1 so it can still be used as a tablet, but with the convienece of a keyboard attached, something like the Lenovo C330
It will only be used for web browsing, emails and playing some games like Candy Crush etc.
I haven't used a Chromebook myself, so was wondering if you can use Android, is it an easy transition to Chrome OS? I was thinking of getting a 2 in 1 so it can still be used as a tablet, but with the convienece of a keyboard attached, something like the Lenovo C330
It will only be used for web browsing, emails and playing some games like Candy Crush etc.
Reality is if she just used a Chromebook in tablet mode she'd adapt quickly without too much hassle.
But you're the best judge as to how tech savvy she is.
There is a chance she'd be happier with what she is used to rather than a laptop type device, even though it opens up much more options she might never need/want them and could find the increased bulk and weight a retrograde step.
But you know her best, and what she is likely to use it for.
A convertible Chromebook is a better device than an android tablet any day of the week, but perhaps not a better option for every user or use case.
The other thing to bear in mind is that while there are currently only two ChromeOS tablets available, there are new tablet models expected to be released later this year.
If you're not in a rush a ChromeOS tablet might fit the bill better than a Chromebook. You could always add a Bluetooth keyboard at a later point if you thought she'd make use of it.
But you're the best judge as to how tech savvy she is.
There is a chance she'd be happier with what she is used to rather than a laptop type device, even though it opens up much more options she might never need/want them and could find the increased bulk and weight a retrograde step.
But you know her best, and what she is likely to use it for.
A convertible Chromebook is a better device than an android tablet any day of the week, but perhaps not a better option for every user or use case.
The other thing to bear in mind is that while there are currently only two ChromeOS tablets available, there are new tablet models expected to be released later this year.
If you're not in a rush a ChromeOS tablet might fit the bill better than a Chromebook. You could always add a Bluetooth keyboard at a later point if you thought she'd make use of it.
If she has an Android phone the advantage of a tablet is that you can set it up so it's essentially your phone with a bigger screen. If you want a laptop format you can get Android laptops, I have an Lenovo Yoga Book which is pretty neat. But if it's mostly browsing rather than typing a wireless keyboard, tablet stand, or even something that can be docked at an occasional desk (eg Samsung's Dex) might better suit your circumstances.
The Chromebook is becoming the replacement for the tablet. With a touch screen that can be flip right over and full Android app support there basically is no downside vs a tablet, except it's a bit more chunky. And that is where the pixel slate comes in, it's a full chromeOS tablet, so basically it's a Chromebook with a detachable keyboard.
At the moment it's the only one of it's kind but it is probably how a lot higher end Android / chrome tablets will be in future.
At the moment it's the only one of it's kind but it is probably how a lot higher end Android / chrome tablets will be in future.
ging84 said:
The Chromebook is becoming the replacement for the tablet. With a touch screen that can be flip right over and full Android app support there basically is no downside vs a tablet, except it's a bit more chunky. And that is where the pixel slate comes in, it's a full chromeOS tablet, so basically it's a Chromebook with a detachable keyboard.
At the moment it's the only one of it's kind but it is probably how a lot higher end Android / chrome tablets will be in future.
When I bought mine it wasn't the case that ChromeOS supported all Apps, so I went for an Android laptop so I could use it to control my central heating etc without having to drop into the Chrome Browser.At the moment it's the only one of it's kind but it is probably how a lot higher end Android / chrome tablets will be in future.
I still don't understand why there is Android and ChromeOS; given both do the same thing, what is the argument to run one or the other on any device?
paulrockliffe said:
When I bought mine it wasn't the case that ChromeOS supported all Apps, so I went for an Android laptop so I could use it to control my central heating etc without having to drop into the Chrome Browser.
I still don't understand why there is Android and ChromeOS; given both do the same thing, what is the argument to run one or the other on any device?
FuschiaOS should replace both at some point in next 5 years. I still don't understand why there is Android and ChromeOS; given both do the same thing, what is the argument to run one or the other on any device?
I'd say Chromebook but get her a mid spec one that is touchscreen and supports Android apps, most Chromebooks (and Chromeboxes, Chromebases) get any years of OS updates, where as Android tablets tend to only get 1-1.5 years of OS updates. I'm typing this now on a LG Chromabase which 5 years down the line is still getting OS updates (although I think its end of life is 2019).
.Adam. said:
Went and had a look at a chromebook yesterday, an 11" Acer and Dell in PC World. To be honest, in tablet mode I didn't find there to be much difference in use between Android and ChromeOS, so I'll think I'll take my mum to have a go on one and she what she fancies.
Bear in mind that if they're quite similar, but not exactly the same it can be quite annoying. You think you know where something is, but you're in phone mode. The biggest element of this is if you have a particular launcher or launcher setup, does it carry over?Gassing Station | Computers, Gadgets & Stuff | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff