I need a new tablet

[blue-jay]

So for the last 12 years I've had ipads. My current one is too old to update JWlibrary (IPad Air). So I decided it's time for a new one. 

If I get an Android instead of an iPad, what would be some good options? 

My main use is for using the JW library app and just general use of the web to help the kids with school work. 

[Jarred]

I always recommend if you have been using an iPad for awhile to stick with with the iPad.  They are better supported than Android tablets, unless you go with Samsung, but at that point you are paying similar money.

 

You can get a good deal on a 9th gen with 256GB at best buy for $349.

 

I think the 10th gen is 499. 

 

Be sure to get at least 256GB so you have enough room for videos, etc on JW library.

 

https://www.bestbuy.com/site/sku/4901816.p?skuId=4901816&sb_share_source=PDP

[blue-jay]

1 hour ago, Jarred said:

I always recommend if you have been using an iPad for awhile to stick with with the iPad.  They are better supported than Android tablets, unless you go with Samsung, but at that point you are paying similar money.

 

You can get a good deal on a 9th gen with 256GB at best buy for $349.

 

I think the 10th gen is 499. 

 

Be sure to get at least 256GB so you have enough room for videos, etc on JW library.

 

https://www.bestbuy.com/site/sku/4901816.p?skuId=4901816&sb_share_source=PDP

Thank you.

Yeah, I think I'm leaning towards getting another ipad. 

[Myew]

3 hours ago, Jarred said:

stick with with the iPad.  They are better supported than Android tablets, unless you go with Samsung, but at that point you are paying similar money.

'Better supported', how? In what way?

  

4 hours ago, blue-jay said:

If I get an Android instead of an iPad, what would be some good options? 

Earlier this year I got the Samsung A9+ with 8GB RAM/128GB Storage for a pretty good deal. They're currently (and often on sale) for $200, or $150 for the 4GB/64GB version, possibly a better deal somewhere. Especially if you want something for basic use, what function would you use on an iPad that you can't do otherwise? Not much better in this price class this year having compared all of the options multiple times.

Edited December 8, 2024 by Myew

[Myew]

If I was to splurge on the best value tablet, spending the same price as an iPad for a device that can do more as a fully functional mini laptop, the newest version (not one of the several older versions) of the Lenovo Chromebook Duet 11" (Gen 9) is my favorite pick. It runs Android apps like JW Library. I had the original model and still prefer the form and function to my new tablet. The duet includes the keyboard cover and sometimes the stylus. However, I cannot currently find one that has 8GB of RAM in stock. It looks like they sold out on recent deals. I would highly recommend the 8GB RAM model over the 4GB model if at all possible. But the Samsung A9+ can likely still do everything you need for less and is purer Android with a Samsung skin.
https://chromeunboxed.com/hands-on-with-the-lenovo-chromebook-duet-ready-for-far-more-than-before-video/
https://chromeunboxed.com/the-new-8gb-lenovo-chromebook-duet-11-drops-to-its-lowest-ever-price/
https://www.lenovo.com/us/en/p/laptops/lenovo/lenovo-edu-chromebooks/lenovo-chromebook-duet-gen-9-11-inch-mediatek/len101l0047?srsltid=AfmBOopgor9hmiG-ePArknbo39wCrJdexDTRVPUOMWFLJoHIegG2kNon&displayrulevalidation=false

Edited December 8, 2024 by Myew

[Jarred]

When I said better supporteded, I was talking about security/OS updates.  Apple usually provides at least 5 years of updates.

 

Personally, I don't own an iPad, but I have a Microsoft surface pro 8 running Windows 11, as I prefer having full Windows, but for someone who wants something simple, I do recommend the iPad for its simplicity and reliability.

 

I do like Android too, as I have a Samsung phone.  My work provides me an iPhone and an iPad, so I get to experience a lot of different eco-systems lol.

 

It also helps when the friends need help, so I try to stay familiar with what apple, android, and Microsoft have out there.

[Myew]

I see. I have many devices and have had Windows tablets as well. Software updates are a value for one who intends to keep and use a device for many years to come, which is why I recommend getting models with decent RAM and adequate storage.

The Samsung A9+ updated from Android 13 > 14, and will likely get another two major updates (15, 16) when they come around, hopefully with more security updates after that. Samsung has been improving their software updates policies in recent years. I generally don't prefer Samsung due to cost/value of hardware, but I went with them again recently just because they had the best affordable/budget tablet for the time being.

Though, going back to the Chromebook Duet Tablet... Google supports new Chromebooks with updates for 10 years, even if they're trying to off them once again.

[jwhess]

Since Chromebooks are highly 'cloud-based' doen't the quality of a person's internet connection come into play (as oppsed to strictly downloaded apps and data)? Just asking.

[Myew]

I believe you are mistaken. Chrome OS is an operating system, no different than Android, iOS, Windows, Linux, etc. Chrome OS is essentially just a variant of Android (which is a variant of Linux, which is a variant of Unix...) Chrome OS runs Android apps natively. It's just, traditionally, more focused on the laptop form factor than the mobile/tablet/touch form factor. But the success of the Lenovo Duet line shows that it works very well in the tablet form factor. Nothing really cloud based about it, unless maybe you count that it has better support than Android for setting up multiple devices at once for schools/organization? That's no different from Windows or any other PC though. Whether you use Google One, Microsoft 365 or iCloud, you can access and use any cloud service on any device with a web browser. All computers nowadays rely on internet quality for most everything. Still, there's no reason you can't run JW Library or any other offline app on it while offline. It's no different than using a phone offline in that case. You're very limited in what you can do, but you can still play music and videos that you have stored on it.

Edited December 8, 2024 by Myew

[jwhess]

1 hour ago, Myew said:

I believe you are mistaken. Chrome OS is an operating system, no different than Android, iOS, Windows, Linux, etc. Chrome OS is essentially just a variant of Android (which is a variant of Linux, which is a variant of Unix...) Chrome OS runs Android apps natively. It's just, traditionally, more focused on the laptop form factor than the mobile/tablet/touch form factor. But the success of the Lenovo Duet line shows that it works very well in the tablet form factor. Nothing really cloud based about it, unless maybe you count that it has better support than Android for setting up multiple devices at once for schools/organization? That's no different from Windows or any other PC though. Whether you use Google One, Microsoft 365 or iCloud, you can access and use any cloud service on any device with a web browser. All computers nowadays rely on internet quality for most everything. Still, there's no reason you can't run JW Library or any other offline app on it while offline. It's no different than using a phone offline in that case. You're very limited in what you can do, but you can still play music and videos that you have stored on it.

I am not a chromeOS guy.  I just asked because this is what was said about the system:  (sounds 'cloud-based')

 

"Google announced the project in July 2009, initially describing it as an operating system where applications and user data would reside in the cloud. ChromeOS was used primarily to run web applications.

requirements inherent in an operating system that accesses applications and most user data on remote servers. 

Among them are advanced security, because data is not physically on a single machine that can be lost or stolen. Deploying and managing cloud-native devices is easier"

Edited December 8, 2024 by jwhess

[Myew]

That's what they said.. but not necessarily what they have become. They basically just mean using Google Drive, Docs, Sheets, Keep and the like, which people do on the web on any PC or on apps on any mobile. Chrome's web apps/store failed to take off monetarily while Android/smartphones were booming, so they focused everything into the Play Store and Progressive Web Apps on both systems. Chromebooks are just another PC, not unlike the Netbooks of the late 2000s, but with better hardware. Most can also run Linux apps. On the low end, they tend to be more practical in terms of battery life against a similarly priced Windows laptop, but now Windows Snapdragon ARM laptops are finally getting decent at the mid range. Plenty of people even install Chrome OS on old Windows/Mac PCs rather than updating or upgrading them, just like is often done with Linux. https://chromeos.google/products/chromeos-flex/

Personally, when it comes to tablets, I find Chrome OS preferable to Android because the user interface and settings are slightly more PC based, more standardized, cleaner and less bloated than whatever the manufacturer decides to do with Android. I prefer its touch controls to Android, on Android I always resort to using button-based navigation rather than swipes. I also really liked how the Lenovo Duet was the perfect tablet size but easily swapped to functioning as a mini laptop (or desktop with display over USB C) for note taking/Zoom. It's all minor differences in the end and you can do anything with any device with the right peripherals. Almost all I use tablets for anymore is JW Library and video streaming around the house.

Edited December 8, 2024 by Myew

[New World Explorer]

10 hours ago, blue-jay said:

So for the last 12 years I've had ipads. My current one is too old to update JWlibrary (IPad Air). So I decided it's time for a new one. 

If I get an Android instead of an iPad, what would be some good options? 

My main use is for using the JW library app and just general use of the web to help the kids with school work. 

According to your main uses I do not see reasons to switch to Android. 

Latest iPad is more than sufficient to do the job. (And you already know how to use it properly) 

I am on various iPads for many years and happy with it. (recently got the latest and it's excellent!) 

[Mike047]

It seems that there are many preferred options, depending on your choice. Having had an iPad Air 2 since they came out, it seemed better to stay with the same, so went for iPad air 6. The biggest problem is that Apple keep their prices higher generally than other tablet producers. 

 

My advice would be to only go for something that is within your price range. Just as long as it does what you want it to, and all of the latest ranges of tablets provide good access to JW Library, from a fairly modest outlay.

[Myew]

Something to consider that most people aren't familiar with is the screen's refresh rate. Even budget Android tablets like the A9+ have 90 hz screens now. Pretty sure in order to get over 60 hz on an iPad you at least need to get a mini or maybe even a pro tier model that is much more. (they make it so hard to look up hardware specs on their own products and it infuriates me) When using tablets as a reader like in JW Library, you will notice more screen tearing on a 60 hz screen, compared to a 90z or 120hz which are much smoother in motion. It makes it easier to read things while you are scrolling down a page looking for a scripture.

Edited December 8, 2024 by Myew

[Qapla]

If your main desire is to run the JWL - you may also want to consider the Kindle Fire

 

[blue-jay]

So I decided to get another ipad. 

I'm excited. 

[Mike047]

Hope it will do what you want. My old Air 2 had only 32Mb storage and with today's apps that isn't much. My new one has more giving a bit more freedom.