Garage Tablet selection

[tearapin]

As it is black Friday I am looking for a tablet. I know nothing about them. This would be used for the following...
1) Watching YouTube repair/DIY videos
2) Sending and responding to emails.

I do not think I need a super fast one. I see many for around $100. However, reviews state that the processor is either slow or that they are riddled with ads.

I have also read some stuff that says buy any Fire (Amazon) tablet and root it. I can do that, but selecting the root software seems to be difficult as you really need to match it to a specific generation/model of tablet. Some just say things like "Fire Table 6th generation (2013)". Otherwise it's a brick.

Any guidance on selection is appreciated.

 

[mv213]

I have 2 ipads, a Kindle Fire 10” and a generic Android tablet. I have the Kindle Fire in the garage on my workbench, with a stand and bluetooth keyboard for exactly what you want yours for, YouTube and email. You don’t have to root it for that, just use the apps it comes with, or get them from the Amazon app store. It works perfect for it’s purpose, it’s cheap, and I don’t have to worry about it.

 

[My Old Tools]

Samsung Android from Costco or Sams. The ones marked FE (Fan Edition) are usually good buys.

 

[bradleydavidgood]

I recommend the Apple ipad

iPad 10.9-inch (10th generation)

iPad has an all-screen Liquid Retina display, the A14 Bionic chip and four color options. And it supports the Magic Keyboard Folio.

www.apple.com

 

[PhantomEB]

iPads are staples around here.

she’s been complaining about hers getting worn out….she don’t know I got a pink 256Gb 10th Gen sitting in my Amazon cart for Christmas……I may be unemployed at this time but I can spoil her rotten. Might have to get mom in on this to take some of the hit off the 650$

I have WiFi out in the garage so no issues using my IPad out there too.

 

[Skellyii]

iPads are fine, but spendy and possibly overkill for what you need.

I agree with most folks on here, the $100 or so Android tablets will be fine. i've used cheapie Androids, an unrooted Fire and even a Lenovo Chrome tablet in the garage with good results.

I'd still be using one of those, but I got a couple of HP All-in-One PC's for $20 each. They're touchscreen, so they're kinda like having a big oversized tablet.

 

[niget2002]

I bought a Teclast branded tablet a few years ago. It's worked well for everything I need it for.

I haven't noticed any excess network traffic from it.

 

[75gmck25]

iPads are relatively expensive compared to other tablets, but once they are setup (by the user) they are a no-brainer to keep current for OS updates and security. There are also many, many apps available. If you can find a used iPad, or the basic model of the current offerings, it would do everything you want, and would be well supported.

The current 64Gbyte 10.9" iPad goes for $349 from the Apple Store, and if you qualify you can knock 10% off that by using the military discount. Many retailers also have promotions that discount them or add free accessories. It won't be a $100 tablet, but it will be current, well-supported, and very easy to use. It's the simple turnkey solution that just reliably works, which I like.

 

[ericm]

iPads are relatively expensive compared to other tablets, but once they are setup (by the user) they are a no-brainer to keep current for OS updates and security. There are also many, many apps available. If you can find a used iPad, or the basic model of the current offerings, it would do everything you want, and would be well supported.

The current 64Gbyte 10.9" iPad goes for $349 from the Apple Store, and if you qualify you can knock 10% off that by using the military discount. Many retailers also have promotions that discount them or add free accessories. It won't be a $100 tablet, but it will be current, well-supported, and very easy to use. It's the simple turnkey solution that just reliably works, which I like.

The Ipad just works, no rooting needed or adware to delete.

I got a full size one for about $200 a few months ago. It's discontinued or soon to be so. Apple, unlike Android, supports old stuff for a long time. Most of my Apple stuff is non current and works great. When I bought a brand new Motorola phone they stopped supporting it after two years, not even security upgrades, and that was when they were owned by Google! The hell with that.

 

[housewolf]

Another vote for iPad. I say that while I’m contemplating getting a new one soon. The one I’m on now is 8 years old and a fully charged battery only last about 90 min

 

[BillK]

2) Sending and responding to emails.

How much of this do you really think you will be doing ?? The reason I ask is I would consider an inexpensive laptop instead ? I am a pretty good typist and cant stand anything other than a full size keyboard.

I have an 8" Samsung tablet about 2 years old and it is just plain slooooow I cant imaging doing e-mails on it. I have never looked at bluetooth keyboards so I dont know how they are but by the time you buy one and the tablet a laptop might be the same price. I am typing this on a 7 or 8 year old Lenovo laptop with Win 10.

Just a thought.

 

[tearapin]

How about this one? Lenovo Tablet << Click link

 

[tearapin]

How much of this do you really think you will be doing ?? The reason I ask is I would consider an inexpensive laptop instead ? I am a pretty good typist and cant stand anything other than a full size keyboard.

I have an 8" Samsung tablet about 2 years old and it is just plain slooooow I cant imaging doing e-mails on it. I have never looked at bluetooth keyboards so I dont know how they are but by the time you buy one and the tablet a laptop might be the same price. I am typing this on a 7 or 8 year old Lenovo laptop with Win 10.

Just a thought.

Good thought.

 

[TheRealZeus]

Like $5.99 at staples… just remember; No permanent markers, only dry erase. Freaking rad… no power cable needed.

 

[MichaelP]

Is the metal tube on the right for Youtube streaming? May I suggest a 4" PVC to increase bandwidth?

 

[jmiller_2308]

Another alternative might be a chrome book. They are often cheap and can be had used from schools and other places. A keyboard would really help when typing emails or responding on GJ.

If you find one that has a 2-in-1 fold able design you can set it up In tent mode, flat like a tablet, or oriented as a laptop. A nice thing about a Chromebook or laptop is that you can close the lid when not in use to keep various garage debris off the screen and keyboard.

If you think you will carry it around a lot remember that it will be potentially larger (good for old eyes) and probably weigh more than a tablet but less than a laptop.

I just did a quick Google search for "cheap Chromebook" and right at the top of the results were a number of Chromebooks advertised for well under $100; some are new and others are renewed. I'm running with an Acer myself and find it very capable.

 

[kngelv]

Chromebooks are awful as are 99% of Android tablets. iPads just work. No ads no rooting necessary. Best Buy has the 10.9 iPad on sale for $279.00. It's a no-brainer at that price. Don't overthink it.

James

 

[Fixr]

Chromebooks are awful as are 99% of Android tablets. iPads just work. No ads no rooting necessary. Best Buy has the 10.9 iPad on sale for $279.00. It's a no-brainer at that price. Don't overthink it.

James

Huh. Wish you'd told me that like 8 years ago so I wouldn't have been happily using Chromebooks all this time. They just work for me.

 

[TheRealZeus]

For your considerations; Factoring in solid cold floors, I would recommend reenforced rubber casings, and there are a few available per model...
May no edge, nor corner, find the touchscreen. Examples of some the beefier types of cases;

 

[finn]

Like $5.99 at staples… just remember; No permanent markers, only dry erase. Freaking rad… no power cable needed.

Does it have Internet access?

 

[Fixr]

Does it have Internet access?

Yes, but it will never tell you the password.

 

[75gmck25]

Another advantage of a new/refurbished iPad is the long battery life, when compared to most inexpensive laptops. I recharge mine once a day, and it only gets down below 10% during the day if I have spent the entire day searching for parts or watching something on the internet.

 

[75gmck25]

In another plug for those who have prior military service (not just retired or active duty military folks), get your verification and setup an account with Army and Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) online.

You can buy everything they offer online, with no sales tax, and there is free shipping if its over $50. This means that a $349 tablet or laptop is exactly $349 total cost, delivered to your door.

If you qualify for the Exchange Credit Program credit card you will also get 10% off on the first day you use this card. When I first got my card I bought an iPad for myself and one for my son, and got 10% off the entire online purchase.

Remember - this is a benefit you have because you have served. Don't pass up a good deal.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Fire MAX 11. A little over $100, but worth it !

 

[TheRealZeus]

In another plug for those who have prior military service (not just retired or active duty military folks), get your verification and setup an account with Army and Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) online.

You can buy everything they offer online, with no sales tax, and there is free shipping if its over $50. This means that a $349 tablet or laptop is exactly $349 total cost, delivered to your door.

If you qualify for the Exchange Credit Program credit card you will also get 10% off on the first day you use this card. When I first got my card I bought an iPad for myself and one for my son, and got 10% off the entire online purchase.

Remember - this is a benefit you have because you have served. Don't pass up a good deal.

🫡 through testing still in progress to meet specifications as per opnav 4000.79C ch1. someone sign my quad card?

 

[My Old Tools]

iPads are relatively expensive compared to other tablets, but once they are setup (by the user) they are a no-brainer to keep current for OS updates and security. There are also many, many apps available. If you can find a used iPad, or the basic model of the current offerings, it would do everything you want, and would be well supported.

You can say the exact same things about an Android, except they are less expensive.