Reliable basic tablet
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Discussion

DrEMa

Original Poster:

1,536 posts

122 months

Monday 23rd January 2023
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Hi folks, could the more learned people here recommend a basic but reliable/robust tablet that I could use for work.

All Id use it for are Google sheets and docs for client programs and Adobe read and sign for new client forms, plus occasional videoing of myself or a client in the gym to check technique. Not picky about android or apple. Have been using an old secondhand iPad, but after years of being dropped, stood on and generally neglected it finally had a nervous breakdown (to be fair it was at the point that the home button hadn't worked for about a year and bits of the screen no longer functioned). Just don't really need much from one so not sure an iPad is really necessary.


randlemarcus

13,646 posts

261 months

Monday 23rd January 2023
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Probably worth taking the longer term view, considering usage, reliability, manufacturer support as well as your learning curve with a new OS,and then using an IPad.

QJumper

3,238 posts

56 months

Monday 23rd January 2023
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DrEMa said:
Hi folks, could the more learned people here recommend a basic but reliable/robust tablet that I could use for work.

All Id use it for are Google sheets and docs for client programs and Adobe read and sign for new client forms, plus occasional videoing of myself or a client in the gym to check technique. Not picky about android or apple. Have been using an old secondhand iPad, but after years of being dropped, stood on and generally neglected it finally had a nervous breakdown (to be fair it was at the point that the home button hadn't worked for about a year and bits of the screen no longer functioned). Just don't really need much from one so not sure an iPad is really necessary.
An iPad might be easier if you're used to it. Possible a used one, a couple of generations back, wouldn't cost much.

That said, I have an iPad mini, and recently bought a used Lenovo mini tablet, just out of curiosity. It was only 50 quid and I can't honestly tell the difference in functionality.

Can't speak with regards the apps you use but, if it's fairly basic stuff, I'd take a look at the Lenovo tablets.

ajprice

33,428 posts

226 months

Monday 23rd January 2023
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I think a newer basic iPad is going to be your best bet. What year and model is your current iPad?

grumbledoak

32,571 posts

263 months

Monday 23rd January 2023
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Another vote for the new iPad here. They aren't that expensive and you already know them.

WelshPetrolhead

1,021 posts

165 months

Monday 23rd January 2023
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Does it have to be tablet form? A chromebook could work quite well.

anonymous-user

84 months

Monday 23rd January 2023
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Ecstacy.

DrEMa

Original Poster:

1,536 posts

122 months

Monday 23rd January 2023
quotequote all
Thanks guys. My phone is android so have no issue with different OS, but if an iPad is likely to be similarly priced (2nd hand) to a 2nd hand android unit then will check them out.
Will check the gen of the current one, but think it is stuck at OS 9 and can't be updated if that helps date it.

Chromebook is a little bulky for what I'm after (the kids have one so familiar with them).

Turtle Shed

3,083 posts

56 months

Monday 23rd January 2023
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WelshPetrolhead said:
Does it have to be tablet form? A chromebook could work quite well.
Exactly what I was going to suggest. Maybe not as convenient from a video perspective but in many other respects a great choice.

I'm typing this on a £170.00 Acer Chromebook, and the thing is absolutely brilliant. One of my best ever technology purposes. In the other room is an £1,100 iPad Pro. Wife uses it for the Procreate design software, which is why it was bought, but if you gave me the choice between the Chromebook and iPad as a tool to use on a daily basis the iPad wouldn't get a look in.

Magnum 475

4,174 posts

162 months

Tuesday 24th January 2023
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Don’t forget about the Apple Certified Refurbished outlet.

https://www.apple.com/uk/shop/refurbished

Stock changes all the time, so frequent visits may be required. I’ve bought loads from here & you can’t tell the products aren’t new.

DrEMa

Original Poster:

1,536 posts

122 months

Wednesday 25th January 2023
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thanks again guys - might loo in to a foldable chromebook then and will check out the link.