Iowa_Traveler2012

Anyone have suggestion for best tablet to use when traveling? Prefer not to haul around my laptop but want to be able to utilize wi-fi hot spots to Skype, watch movies & GPS. Prefer to keep it under $300 if possible. Saw some articles about some no name one's that have a ton of bells & whistles but not sure if they will work when traveling abroad (London or around Ireland). Any input much appreciated.

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thursdaysd

Suggest you look into netbooks instead. I now have an iPad (definitely NOT under $300!), but really miss my ASUS netbook (a friend crunched it by accident, or I wouldn't have the iPad).

I bought an electronic keyboard, since typing on glass doesn't work well for more than tweets, plus you have to have apps to do anything useful, and they don't work the same way as doing things through your browser. I find using my fingers on glass much less precise than a mouse.

qwovadis

apple.com
appleinsider.com

iPad best for me have had mine for a couple of years they will bring the iPad 3 in March so a refurb 2 will be in the late $200s from Apple.com with a 1 year warranty then. Just got a Kindle Fire free with my Amex.com Open Points on amazon.com small screen text was not impressed sent it back was not worth it, even free.Nothing else in your pricepoint
except cheap netbooks which are underpwoered and outmoded.

So iPad for me PM if needed.

Iowa_Redhead

I have an Asus netbook that I use for Skype, photo storage/backup, etc. It wouldn't work for GPS, but I never use that anyway. A smartphone would be easy for GPS but then you're loading up on gadgets and cost.


Think of how you want to use the tablet (or whatever). A tablet is big enough to be irritating to try to use on the streets of London if you want to use GPS (or really doing anything with it other than sitting). The main reason you list that a tablet would be better than a smartphone is watching movies and that can be done on a phone, it's just tiny.

For some people a tablet is best, for others an unlocked smartphone, for others a netbook.

tomfuller

Asprin, acetaminiphen or ibuprophin. If I really need to pick up my email, I go to a public library or internet cafe.
I do the research for the trip before I leave home.

thursdaysd

Much nicer to be able to use wi-fi in your hotel room. And internet cafes are becoming scarce in some areas. Plus those of us on extended trips certainly don't do ALL the research ahead of time. Even if we did, after a couple of months or so it would need at least a check up.

TravelinFeet

Iowa-Traveler did you buy anything yet? Still hoping someone will suggest a good tablet in the lower price range... I want to be able to read books on it and do email.

TF

johnnyomalley

I have a blackberry playbook and I can do all of those on it. I have an app for both kindle e-books and kobo e-books. It weighs less than a pound. I had no trouble using it in London.

Eschew

I have a Samsung Galaxy Tab (free with contract) and my wife carries iPad2.

The Galaxy tab is android base and is only 7". Front and rear camera. I have skype on it. Works on wi-fi and 3G, plenty of free apps, inclduing e-reader, games etc. MicroSD card slot for extra storage.

Traveler_A

The Asus EeePad Transformer TF101 (not the Prime) is around $300 and works well for what you're asking.

TravelinFeet

Iowa: After reading PCMag and PCWorld, Cnet and a few others, they all recommended the Kindle Fire. So, as I already own some kindle books I bought one. I've done little more than set it up and start downloading some apps. It does NOT do GPS tho as there is no 3G (what were they thinking?) but there is a mapquest App that will work with internet so you can at least download before going.

I'll let you know how it goes.

TF

sherri37385

TravelinFeet, how did the Kindle Fire do on your trip or have you went yet? I have the Fire and will be traveling in US & Central America during the next year, just wondering how it will fare.

VinceTasp

Hey there, I guess I'm a bit late on this thread but I'm planning a half year trip to central and south america and am trying to figure out the most reliable and cheapest way to keep in touch with loved one's back in california. I'm looking at phone and online/tablet options. How did the Kindle Fire work out, sherri37385, and does anyone else have other suggestions? Thanks.

mlgb

If you just want to keep in touch by email, it doesn't really matter what you have.

I have been traveling with the iPod Touch which seems to work well enough. I like that it is small enough to fit in my pocket. Since it is getting to be an older OS I am finding that it drops a lot of websites now.

Just bought for $109 the 2014 ASUS MemoPad (176CX 7-inch) which runs Android KitKat. It's a bit big for carrying in pockets but will fit easily in a small purse or carry bag and doesn't weigh too much. It has a micro-sD slot also. The screen is just fine for typing. It has a fast processor for a budget tablet.

If your family/friends have Apple products you might want to stick with that so you can use FaceTime for occasional video calls when there is wiFi.

Otherwise you can load Skype on either, or Facebook message them.

I don't use a cellphone that often anyways. I bought a cheap unlocked burner for in-country calls, you can get them on the internet (BLU is one brand). Then bought a country specific cell phone sim cards.