Using a tablet for work/tuning

[c-moe_117]

Really tempted to grab a tablet for tuning (megasquirt, hp tuners, etc), scan tool, and looking at technician manuals/wiring schematics... Figure it's safer/more portable with an Otter-box than me abusing a laptop all the time (current MacBook pro is all dinged up and the cd/DVD drive stopped working now).

I figure with Bluetooth and a USB port it should be perfect for my needs. Anyone currently doing this or have any input/suggestions?

 

[firworks]

Whenever I'm using the VW Comm adapter I use it with our MS Surface and it's pretty convenient. Seems like a good idea to me if you do a lot of tuning work in car. I've been thinking of getting a cheapo Chinese Windows tablet to lookup plans while out in the garage. I don't want to keep the surface out in the garage because it was too expensive.

 

[PoorOwner]

In my opinion you always need a real PC to use the tools. The android and apple tablets don't have the USB port function like a PC's Usb plug. Try the laptops that detach like a tablet

 

[adamgayton81]

In my opinion you always need a real PC to use the tools. The android and apple tablets don't have the USB port function like a PC's Usb plug. Try the laptops that detach like a tablet

Agreed with this. As much of a tech nerd I am, and a Mac lover, I still have a cheap Windows laptop for my HP Tuner program. While Yes, it can be used on a tablet, you have far more capacity and operating speeds with an actual laptop for processing power. The tablets aren't as powerful as a laptop. As a long time tuner and a tech geek, I would suggest sticking with a dedicated laptop for your tuning.


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[shadowen]

Have you thought of looking at rugged tablets? They can get pretty expensive compared to their actual hardware specs but they're built to take a beating and there are some waterproof/resistant ones out there if that is also a concern.

This one is on the low end of the spectrum but should withstand some drops and has a scratch-proof screen: https://www.ruggedtabletpc.com/products/xtablet-flex-10

...and they go up from there - you may also find some used ones kicking around as well (at Defcon this year Unix Surplus was selling some used medical tablets that looked pretty rugged for under $200, though I'm not sure how much they can take).

 

[BolognaBlake]

I just bought a Dell Venue Pro 11 tablet on ebay for under $200. It has Windows 10 and an i3 processor with 4GB of RAM. It would be perfect for tuning programs that require Windows.

 

[jd_1138]

Whenever I'm using the VW Comm adapter I use it with our MS Surface and it's pretty convenient. Seems like a good idea to me if you do a lot of tuning work in car. I've been thinking of getting a cheapo Chinese Windows tablet to lookup plans while out in the garage. I don't want to keep the surface out in the garage because it was too expensive.

I'd stay away from the cheap Chinese junk (will have a wonky touch screen and not fun to use). You can get an Asus, HP, Dell, Lenovo tablet for not much more.

But really like others have said, a laptop would probably be best. A real keyboard/trackpad (or a mouse) makes it nice to zoom in on schematics and such. Chromeebooks are nice little laptops and are cheap -- $125 or so. May not work with some of the tuning software. May need a Windows laptop for that.

 

[firworks]

I'd stay away from the cheap Chinese junk (will have a wonky touch screen and not fun to use). You can get an Asus, HP, Dell, Lenovo tablet for not much more.

But really like others have said, a laptop would probably be best. A real keyboard/trackpad (or a mouse) makes it nice to zoom in on schematics and such. Chromeebooks are nice little laptops and are cheap -- $125 or so. May not work with some of the tuning software. May need a Windows laptop for that.

I actually have a lot of fun trying out crazy cheap chinese junk. You guys might not believe some of the strange stuff I've found. I've been wanting to try a Teclast Windows 10 tablet. Quad core tablet for only 80$. I have a Chromebook and it is nutrageously slow. Like unusable beyond having one tab open. I'm sure the new ones are better but I've got the original CR48.

 

[adamgayton81]

Just my 2 cents again but keep in mind when you're tuning, you can end up with a lot of files that you use for your custom tunes as well as Excel sheets for data logging and map/MAF/fuel tables and such that can drag down the RAM and storage. Also keep in mind a lot of the tablets will require extra apps to keep the Microsoft excel spreadsheets running. Just make sure you always have a full charge or have whatever device you use plugged in. It can get really bad if it dies during a tune.

I think one of the others hit it on the head that if you're looking for a tablet, possibly think about the detachable keyboard Windows style laptop.


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