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Chat Area => General Discussion Area => Topic started by: Crazycarzowner on 17 June 2016, 16:23:30

Title: Anyone recommend a cheap reliable (computer) Tablet???
Post by: Crazycarzowner on 17 June 2016, 16:23:30
As above really, looking to spend about £60-£100ish???

TIA
Title: Re: Anyone recommend a cheap reliable (computer) Tablet???
Post by: zirk on 17 June 2016, 16:50:30
These a good, there Manufacture refurbished with 12 month Warranty, the two I got last week for family members were both in brand new condition and I upgraded them to Full Win10 without issues.

They were £49 last week, but only a few left now at £54 inc free next day delivery.

TBH an Acer 8" Tablet with Quad Core and in built 32gb Storage (up to another 128gb SD Card) and Win10 you cant go wrong for the price.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Acer-Iconia-Tab-W1-810-8-Inch-Windows-Wifi-Tablet-32GB-/351577787871?hash=item51dbab4ddf:g:l1gAAOSw9eVXVqFL

 
Title: Re: Anyone recommend a cheap reliable (computer) Tablet???
Post by: TheBoy on 17 June 2016, 17:34:04
Not knocking it, but remember its only an Atom processor, so some websites (esp those heavily laden with ads like ebay and some forums) might make it choke a bit, along with anything intensive.

Dr G, how does W10 run on it, being only limited RAM?
Title: Re: Anyone recommend a cheap reliable (computer) Tablet???
Post by: Mr Gav on 17 June 2016, 17:45:00
I bought one of THESE (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Smart-Business-HP-EliteBook-Intel-Core-i5-2nd-Gen-4GB-320GB-Webcam-DVDRW-Win7-/142023167613?hash=item21113d8e7d:g:zqYAAOSw9eVXXapj) last year, plenty of refurbished ex business one about for around £140, usually with a i5 chip but mine came with a i7.

The one I bought was for work use but I do use it at home to and only cost £76, well built and runs Windows 10 no problem.

It all depends on whether you want new or want to go down the second hand/refurbished route.
Title: Re: Anyone recommend a cheap reliable (computer) Tablet???
Post by: TheBoy on 17 June 2016, 17:51:20
I bought one of THESE (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Smart-Business-HP-EliteBook-Intel-Core-i5-2nd-Gen-4GB-320GB-Webcam-DVDRW-Win7-/142023167613?hash=item21113d8e7d:g:zqYAAOSw9eVXXapj) last year, plenty of refurbished ex business one about for around £140, usually with a i5 chip but mine came with a i7.

The one I bought was for work use but I do use it at home to and only cost £76, well built and runs Windows 10 no problem.

It all depends on whether you want new or want to go down the second hand/refurbished route.
I'd always go for a laptop personally, due to usability and performance, but some want a tablet....

...I have a couple of HP Touchpads - the ones sold off to staff dirt cheap a few years back when HP decided it wanted to do software, not hardware (then later fired the pillock in charge, and u-turned) - which is pretty decent spec, and runs Android 4 like a dream...   ...but I still never use it.
Title: Re: Anyone recommend a cheap reliable (computer) Tablet???
Post by: TheBoy on 17 June 2016, 17:54:39
I bought one of THESE (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Smart-Business-HP-EliteBook-Intel-Core-i5-2nd-Gen-4GB-320GB-Webcam-DVDRW-Win7-/142023167613?hash=item21113d8e7d:g:zqYAAOSw9eVXXapj) last year, plenty of refurbished ex business one about for around £140, usually with a i5 chip but mine came with a i7.

The one I bought was for work use but I do use it at home to and only cost £76, well built and runs Windows 10 no problem.

It all depends on whether you want new or want to go down the second hand/refurbished route.
Oh, and that'll likely be a Mobile i5/7 you have, rather than a "proper" one.  So won't perform like a desktop, but still very capable :y.  My old works Elitebook 8440p was a mobile i5 from that era, and ran like a scalded cat (with my build on, the works build was shite, and used to take ages to boot).  In fact it was far faster than the crappy brand new Lenovo T440 ultrabook trash I now have to endure.
Title: Re: Anyone recommend a cheap reliable (computer) Tablet???
Post by: zirk on 17 June 2016, 17:56:40
Not knocking it, but remember its only an Atom processor, so some websites (esp those heavily laden with ads like ebay and some forums) might make it choke a bit, along with anything intensive.

Dr G, how does W10 run on it, being only limited RAM?
TBH, it does only have 1gb of RAM and yes I was a bit skeptical about upgrading and ruining Win10 (home) on it, but it runs fine and is fairly quick, handles loaded HD Videos easerly and streams ok, like you say though Ive not hammered it with heavy or strong Apps yet, for me, or rather Family members, its a Mobile device rather than a main home machine.

After the win10 upgrade, (having image backed 8 and the upgraded 10) I did a another fresh clean win10 install, the clean install takes up about 15gb of the 32gb so definitely need 32gb wouldn't want to be doing this with a 16gb Tab.

The other thing I found out unknowingly is under the installed win8 there are some Acer Apps (recovery etc) which you dont need for 10, but one was an Acer Office 360 setup, which gives 12 months of Office 16 and and 1TB of OneDrive for a year, that worth about £80 on its own, so do that before you upgrade to win10 if you getting one of these.  :y 
Title: Re: Anyone recommend a cheap reliable (computer) Tablet???
Post by: TheBoy on 17 June 2016, 18:01:30
Taken a punt, really to replace my aging netbook that I tend to use for LPG and other car diag stuff, as it has a USB port.

Buying it with the expectation it will be shite - a) its Acer, b) 1Gb RAM - so no blame to Dr G if its hopeless :)
Title: Re: Anyone recommend a cheap reliable (computer) Tablet???
Post by: zirk on 17 June 2016, 18:07:12
Taken a punt, really to replace my aging netbook that I tend to use for LPG and other car diag stuff, as it has a USB port.

Buying it with the expectation it will be shite - a) its Acer, b) 1Gb RAM - so no blame to Dr G if its hopeless :)
Ah, cheers for that  ;D, on a plus point fairly sure these things have a 'On the Go' Port (mini to normal USB lead which your need to buy for a couple of quid), point being you should be able connect external USB devices to it, or USB Hub, for keyboard, mouse, Storage Drive etc.

Just to add being Argos it does have a 30 Days refund it your not happy.  ;)
Title: Re: Anyone recommend a cheap reliable (computer) Tablet???
Post by: TheBoy on 17 June 2016, 18:17:18
Taken a punt, really to replace my aging netbook that I tend to use for LPG and other car diag stuff, as it has a USB port.

Buying it with the expectation it will be shite - a) its Acer, b) 1Gb RAM - so no blame to Dr G if its hopeless :)
Ah, cheers for that  ;D, on a plus point fairly sure these things have a 'On the Go' Port (mini to normal USB lead which your need to buy for a couple of quid), point being you should be able connect external USB devices to it, or USB Hub, for keyboard, mouse, Storage Drive etc.

Just to add being Argos it does have a 30 Days refund it your not happy.  ;)
I saw it had USB, so I'll see whats what when it turns up.

I would have expected to be excluded from that returns policy, due to software licencing...  ...I could, for eg, activate the Office subscription, then send back otherwise, effectively getting a free year of Office/1Tb OneDrive.
Title: Re: Anyone recommend a cheap reliable (computer) Tablet???
Post by: zirk on 17 June 2016, 18:48:11
I would have expected to be excluded from that returns policy, due to software licencing...  ...I could, for eg, activate the Office subscription, then send back otherwise, effectively getting a free year of Office/1Tb OneDrive.
Out of the two, one had the 360 in win8 and the other didn't, I found it by seeing Acer Apps were installed that I might need before doing an image BU and upgrading to win10, there was noting on the box or paperwork about the Office offer.

I created a Admin account on first time Start Up (win8) rather than signing in using a MS Account, just in case I needed anything to keep before win10, and when clicking on Office it come up with create your Acer ID account, blah, blah, and after a bit of faffing around it gave me the option of 360 and OneDrive for a year,  ;) as said the other Tablet didn't have it, so supposedly was wiped off when being refurbished  :-\.

Was toying with the idea of putting the other one back to win8 and loading the Acer stuff on it to see if it will give me the option again using a different Acer ID, but tbh now Ive put a clean Win10 on it already, not sure if I can be arsed to do it all over again,  :-\  we'll see.
Title: Re: Anyone recommend a cheap reliable (computer) Tablet???
Post by: Crazycarzowner on 17 June 2016, 19:06:32
Hmmm, thanks for the info guys, I'm still un-decided. Dunno what to do, I'll think it over and have a closer look at the options.
Title: Re: Anyone recommend a cheap reliable (computer) Tablet???
Post by: Mr Gav on 17 June 2016, 20:07:25
I bought one of THESE (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Smart-Business-HP-EliteBook-Intel-Core-i5-2nd-Gen-4GB-320GB-Webcam-DVDRW-Win7-/142023167613?hash=item21113d8e7d:g:zqYAAOSw9eVXXapj) last year, plenty of refurbished ex business one about for around £140, usually with a i5 chip but mine came with a i7.

The one I bought was for work use but I do use it at home to and only cost £76, well built and runs Windows 10 no problem.

It all depends on whether you want new or want to go down the second hand/refurbished route.
Oh, and that'll likely be a Mobile i5/7 you have, rather than a "proper" one.  So won't perform like a desktop, but still very capable :y.  My old works Elitebook 8440p was a mobile i5 from that era, and ran like a scalded cat (with my build on, the works build was shite, and used to take ages to boot).  In fact it was far faster than the crappy brand new Lenovo T440 ultrabook trash I now have to endure.

This is a 8460p with a i7 and it is quite snappy (for a spinner) and very well built and for anyone on a budget I`d recommend these elite books, well built and still supported by HP.

My desktop is a i5 4690K with a Samsung SSD and is like lightning  :D
Title: Re: Anyone recommend a cheap reliable (computer) Tablet???
Post by: ronnyd on 18 June 2016, 09:54:37
My old Dell laptop and SWMBOs Kindle run fine on my router, but my ipad that my son gave me (his old one) just won,t connect any more. It was ok at first, and connects when i take it when i stay in hotels etc. Perhaps i need another router but am a bit loathe to mess up what i already have. :-\ Also i,m a bit of a Ludite as far as tech. is concerned. :-[
Title: Re: Anyone recommend a cheap reliable (computer) Tablet???
Post by: Andy H on 18 June 2016, 10:26:18
My old Dell laptop and SWMBOs Kindle run fine on my router, but my ipad that my son gave me (his old one) just won,t connect any more. It was ok at first, and connects when i take it when i stay in hotels etc. Perhaps i need another router but am a bit loathe to mess up what i already have. :-\ Also i,m a bit of a Ludite as far as tech. is concerned. :-[
Two things I would check are
1. has the iPad remembered an old password for the router? My recollection is that it is a pain in the arse trying to get an iPad to take a new password if the router password changes :-\
2. is your router a dual band 2.5/5GHz router? Some routers can do both 2.5 and 5GHz at the same time, others can only do one at once - if your laptop or kindle connect first then the router will switch to whichever they ask for (which is tough if the iPad isn't set up to connect at that frequency)
Title: Re: Anyone recommend a cheap reliable (computer) Tablet???
Post by: ronnyd on 18 June 2016, 11:33:21
It,s a ADSL2+ HAUWEI EchoLife HG 521 router, it that helps.  :y
Title: Re: Anyone recommend a cheap reliable (computer) Tablet???
Post by: TheBoy on 20 June 2016, 18:52:01
Royal Mail girlie delivered my tablet today.
Title: Re: Anyone recommend a cheap reliable (computer) Tablet???
Post by: Andy H on 20 June 2016, 19:20:27
It,s a ADSL2+ HAUWEI EchoLife HG 521 router, it that helps.  :y
I did a search for that router and I don't think it does dual band  :-\ so probably not your issue :-\

I did see people generally reporting issues with connecting Apple devices to that router so I think it would pay to read through some of the problems and solutions to see if they match your experience.
Title: Re: Anyone recommend a cheap reliable (computer) Tablet???
Post by: zirk on 20 June 2016, 21:17:44
Royal Mail girlie delivered my tablet today.
So have you broken it yet.
Title: Re: Anyone recommend a cheap reliable (computer) Tablet???
Post by: Crazycarzowner on 21 June 2016, 15:25:41
Now don't laugh  ::) ::) I bought one of these  https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01COFFPTO/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Arrived on Saturday, just sent the bugger back today  :-[ :-[ :-[ Absolute useless piece of garbage!  Kept freezing every 15 minutes no matter what you were doing with it. Looking at the web, looking at apps, playing an app game, it froze. You couldn't even use the calculator without it spitting its dummy out.


Back to the drawing board ::) ::) ::)
Title: Re: Anyone recommend a cheap reliable (computer) Tablet???
Post by: STEMO on 21 June 2016, 15:28:41
 ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Anyone recommend a cheap reliable (computer) Tablet???
Post by: Crazycarzowner on 21 June 2016, 15:30:10
;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D


 >:( >:( >:( >:( I told you not to laugh!!!!

 ;D
Title: Re: Anyone recommend a cheap reliable (computer) Tablet???
Post by: STEMO on 21 June 2016, 15:33:55
You ask all kinds of advice and the buy that piece of shite. Why?


I've got a few here if you're interested. Just got to figure out how to change the language to English from Icelandic.
Title: Re: Anyone recommend a cheap reliable (computer) Tablet???
Post by: zirk on 21 June 2016, 15:35:09
Now don't laugh ::) ::) I bought one of these  https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01COFFPTO/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Arrived on Saturday, just sent the bugger back today  :-[ :-[ :-[ Absolute useless piece of garbage!  Kept freezing every 15 minutes no matter what you were doing with it. Looking at the web, looking at apps, playing an app game, it froze. You couldn't even use the calculator without it spitting its dummy out.


Back to the drawing board ::) ::) ::)
;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D  sorry about that.

Thats an Android Tab, so your stuck with PlayStore / Market Apps, thought you said you wanted a Computer Tablet?, what is it your trying to achieve Jason
Title: Re: Anyone recommend a cheap reliable (computer) Tablet???
Post by: Crazycarzowner on 21 June 2016, 15:46:19
Now don't laugh ::) ::) I bought one of these  https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01COFFPTO/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Arrived on Saturday, just sent the bugger back today  :-[ :-[ :-[ Absolute useless piece of garbage!  Kept freezing every 15 minutes no matter what you were doing with it. Looking at the web, looking at apps, playing an app game, it froze. You couldn't even use the calculator without it spitting its dummy out.


Back to the drawing board ::) ::) ::)
;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D  sorry about that.

Thats an Android Tab, so your stuck with PlayStore / Market Apps, thought you said you wanted a Computer Tablet?, what is it your trying to achieve Jason

Thought it would sync well with my mobile & be useful just to lightly web browse, play games, listen to music & watch videos on. Nothing really hardcore because I have the laptop for that. Plus it would be easier to take on holiday than the laptop.

After that experience though  :o never again. My phone a HTC one, runs on Android and runs rings around that piece of crap and its over 3 years old with all sorts of nonsense collected on it.

 
Title: Re: Anyone recommend a cheap reliable (computer) Tablet???
Post by: zirk on 21 June 2016, 15:50:53
Thought it would sync well with my mobile & be useful just to lightly web browse, play games, listen to music & watch videos on. Nothing really hardcore because I have the laptop for that. Plus it would be easier to take on holiday than the laptop.

After that experience though  :o never again. My phone a HTC one, runs on Android and runs rings around that piece of crap and its over 3 years old with all sorts of nonsense collected on it.
Well, the 8" Windows Tab I posted would do all that plus a lot more, but its your call really.
Title: Re: Anyone recommend a cheap reliable (computer) Tablet???
Post by: Crazycarzowner on 21 June 2016, 15:54:27
 :y :y :y

I'll have a look at that.

SWMBO's grumbling saying I shoulda got a Kindle fire like hers, shes had that 2 years and never had a problem  ::)
Title: Re: Anyone recommend a cheap reliable (computer) Tablet???
Post by: zirk on 21 June 2016, 15:55:06
Just bear in Mind, Android means Apps and Games from Play Store / Amazon etc, Windows 10 is Apps and Games from Windows Store plus most Windows based Programs that ypu can run on a PC or Lappy.

Edit, you have of course got the other iPad option / Apple Store, but your not going to get anywhere near that for the money your talking about.

Bottom line is iPad and Android Tablets have plenty of Apps and Games to choose from, some good some shite. The Windows Tablet is very limited in what it offers Store wise but as said has the added benefit of running normal PC Programs. so best to choose your Ammo first then get the Gun to suit. 

Title: Re: Anyone recommend a cheap reliable (computer) Tablet???
Post by: TheBoy on 21 June 2016, 17:48:01
Royal Mail girlie delivered my tablet today.
So have you broken it yet.
I haven't even broken the seal on the box yet.  Bad case of CBA.
Title: Re: Anyone recommend a cheap reliable (computer) Tablet???
Post by: zirk on 21 June 2016, 17:59:47
Royal Mail girlie delivered my tablet today.
So have you broken it yet.
I haven't even broken the seal on the box yet.  Bad case of CBA.
Post it to Jasonm, he'll break the seal, play with it for half an hour then send it back to you, job done.  ;D
Title: Re: Anyone recommend a cheap reliable (computer) Tablet???
Post by: Crazycarzowner on 21 June 2016, 18:44:49
Royal Mail girlie delivered my tablet today.
So have you broken it yet.
I haven't even broken the seal on the box yet.  Bad case of CBA.
Post it to Jasonm, he'll break the seal, play with it for half an hour then send it back to you, job done.  ;D


 :P :P :P :P


Fair play to Amazon, I've parcelled it up, took it to the collection point and got my receipt. 1 hour later an email from Amazon saying my cash had been transferred back into my account.  :y
Title: Re: Anyone recommend a cheap reliable (computer) Tablet???
Post by: ronnyd on 21 June 2016, 20:03:33
It,s a ADSL2+ HAUWEI EchoLife HG 521 router, it that helps.  :y
I did a search for that router and I don't think it does dual band  :-\ so probably not your issue :-\

I did see people generally reporting issues with connecting Apple devices to that router so I think it would pay to read through some of the problems and solutions to see if they match your experience.
Thanks for that Andy. I use my laptop at home so will only use ipad when i go away. Will sort router out when the laptop goes tits up. :y
Title: Re: Anyone recommend a cheap reliable (computer) Tablet???
Post by: omega2018 on 22 June 2016, 00:55:48
just bought one of these, new, £35.99 delivered www.ebay.co.uk/itm/172218735413 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/172218735413)
(http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/NTAwWDUwMA==/z/td8AAOSwv9hW3Uum/$_12.JPG)
win 10 usb only 16GB but microsd expansion poss. 

only 7" screen but fine for what I want which is to try win 10.
Title: Re: Anyone recommend a cheap reliable (computer) Tablet???
Post by: omega2018 on 24 June 2016, 02:36:57
this arrived yesterday, can't fault it yet, fantastic value. windows 10 a pain but it looks like i can get to the win 7 interface underneath it, sometimes.

about 11 of the 16gb storage is used up by win 10 as expected but i put in a 32gb micro sd card and that looks great.

more info on the manufacturers site here http://kocaso.com/product_W700.html though it doesn't tally exactly with the ebay seller specs, eg camera.

7 inch screen may be too small for many but suits me fine, reminds me of my old toshiba libretto.

case and real keyboard would've been nice but can't complain at £35.99 inc 48 hr delivery.   having to switch the onscreen keyboard between alpha and numeric is a pain when entering passwords, don't they do a combined one? you can hold a finger over the top line alphas to get numbers i suppose.
Title: Re: Anyone recommend a cheap reliable (computer) Tablet???
Post by: TheBoy on 25 June 2016, 21:48:34
this arrived yesterday, can't fault it yet, fantastic value. windows 10 a pain but it looks like i can get to the win 7 interface underneath it, sometimes.

No, with Windows 10, you'll only get the Win10 interfaces. Not the Win7 one.

On a tablet, it will default to tablet mode, which is similar to the Win8 interface (but with the W10 enhancements).  In non-tablet mode, you'll get the Win10 desktop style interface (ie, start menu in bottom left, and a task bar etc).
Title: Re: Anyone recommend a cheap reliable (computer) Tablet???
Post by: omega2018 on 26 June 2016, 00:24:31
no i've got it pretty much looking like win 7 now thanks to http://www.laptopmag.com/articles/make-windows-10-like-windows-7

by the way and just for fun the Windows Experience Index figures for this £35 tablet are:

processor 6.1
memory 4.5
Graphics 3.3
desktop graphics 9.9 ???
primary hard drive 6.05
Title: Re: Anyone recommend a cheap reliable (computer) Tablet???
Post by: zirk on 26 June 2016, 01:16:54
no i've got it pretty much looking like win 7 now thanks to http://www.laptopmag.com/articles/make-windows-10-like-windows-7
I thought you said you bought it to try win10.
Title: Re: Anyone recommend a cheap reliable (computer) Tablet???
Post by: omega2018 on 26 June 2016, 01:47:55
yes did try it.......... for 5 mins