android or windows ?

[pistonbroke1957]

Evening all
I need to get a tablet for work on site and can't decide on android or windows.
It will mainly be used for viewing/downloading installation manuals,sending and
receiving emails and taking pictures.
Wi-Fi only will probably be ok,as I have the use of an internet dongle.
Don't want to spend more than £150. because it's likely to get hammered.
Any advice/recommendations ?
Cheers

[BillyGoat]

I'd normally say Android........BUTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT take a look at this for the cash - 150 would get you TWO of these, should you break one. Awesome bang for the buck:

http://www.microsoftstore.com/store/msu ... .308686300

- It's running Full Windows 8.1 (with an upgrade to 10 when it's out - makes it AWESOME to use) and not shitty RT, which has FINALLY been dropped from their lineup
- Crapware free
- MicroSD for storage but comes with 32GB
- It's snappy (doesn't need mountains of RAM, etc - good spec though)

Can't really fault it to be fair. Will do all you want on it. Much nicer than the bottom end Android stuff, if I'm honest.

Lacking? App store not so great, but will more than do what you need without needing to touch the store.

BG


Edit: I've used a few and the WiFi comments (I think) is people with shitty routers or just don't know what they are doing......

[pistonbroke1957]

Thanks BG.
Does look like a good piece of kit.
What I should have added was,really need one with 9 OR 10" screen.
Trying to follow wiring diagrams, (with my ageing eyesight ), is hard work
on a smaller screen.
Followed your link but the next size up seems to be an 11" laptop @ £180.
Many thanks anyway

[Argyll]

Android all the way. Windows phones and tablets are a wee bit unstable at times.

I'd consider the Asus Nexus 7 tablet. i have one and it's really good.

[BillyGoat]

Android all the way. Windows phones and tablets are a wee bit unstable at times.

Really? Which ones......

[Job and Knock]

Android all the way. Windows phones and tablets are a wee bit unstable at times.

8 months on from buying it I haven't found my Nokia Win-phone to be unstable, but it is still lacking a wide range of apps. That said beyond my construction calculator, spreadsheet and clinometer I don't really need so much

[Argyll]

To be fair I've never had a windows phone. I was going by what I was told by my IT department. I wanted to access my work emails externally but they told there are are serious security flaws with windows based phones and tablets.

[BillyGoat]

To be fair I've never had a windows phone. I was going by what I was told by my IT department. I wanted to access my work emails externally but they told there are are serious security flaws with windows based phones and tablets.

To be fair, it sounds like they don't have a clue! Windows Mobile can be remotely managed and policy applied to the phone in regards to use and security, app management, sandboxing, encryption of accounts and data, remote wipe and retrieve, trusted boot, VPN support, etc.

No disrespect to yourself, but I never get why people say things like "it's unstable" when they have never used one, at a minimum. The operating system is only part of a package and the OEM, who can ultimately change (to some degree), brand, skin and add applications could possibly influence the quality/feel of a product.

I agree with J&K fully in regards to the store and app availability. The apps are trickling down, but still not quick enough, but I'm not a massive app user to be honest. This should change with the changes being made to the ecosystem and the introduction of Windows 10 - a common ecosystem between the platforms and devices should help bring in the developers.

Android can be skinned by an OEM (Sense by HTC, Touchwiz from Samsung, etc), so does that make Android any more or less better?

As for 10" tablets....that's a tough one for the budget, I think unless you are happy with something a little bit older. The price seems to shoot up unless you want a cheaper brand.

What sort of environment is it going to be taken and used out of interest? How big are the PDF files, etc? Again if the files are massive, you might be better off with a full PC/convertible/hybrid.

BG

[Bob225]

I would avoid the larger 9 and 10" tablets at the lower end they are fine for home use but can get heavy and cumbersome when held for more than a few minutes

The Samsung tab 4 is a great tablet and have come right down in price I have owned the original Tab, Tab2, Tab3 and now the tab 4 in various sizes from 7 to the 10.1, I had a loan of the new Tab Pro 12.2" nice bit of kit but its pricey and the shiny screen makes it hard to see in direct sunlight

[BillyGoat]

I would avoid the larger 9 and 10" tablets at the lower end they are fine for home use but can get heavy and cumbersome when held for more than a few minutes

The Samsung tab 4 is a great tablet and have come right down in price I have owned the original Tab, Tab2, Tab3 and now the tab 4 in various sizes from 7 to the 10.1, I had a loan of the new Tab Pro 12.2" nice bit of kit but its pricey and the shiny screen makes it hard to see in direct sunlight

SAMSUNG Galaxy Tab 3 10.1" WiFi Tablet - 16 GB, Golden Brown £179.99 at Currys

[Someone-Else]

I tried a windows phone when they first came out, could not get on with it.
But now I have win 8.1 on this PC I understand what they were trying to do, but I still don't like it on a phone, although it seems that is what windows 8 was designed for.