Looking for my first tablet

[PleasantFuban]

Guys,

 

I'm planning to buy myself a tablet in winter vacation so as not to be the last tablet owner in class. I'm hoping my new device will boost my study and help make some efficient notes as I can see my GPA dropping.

So far I've limited my choices to iPad or Windows tablet, and I want to know some pros and cons of the two OSes in my case. I've seen most of my classmates using iPad Airs and keep their hands busy with Apple Pencils, but I wonder if a Windows tablet will do me any good.

As mentioned, I will mainly use my tablet to make notes, and also some document editing, perhaps some light programming (not sure). Also I think it will be a nice tool for watching videos on bed. I won't use it for gaming other than rhythm games if any. (if you guys have any good usage of tablet plz let me know.)

As for hardware, I'm planning to go with a large storage (hopefully at least 256GB) and a fast processor. A pen and an external keyboard are needed. Besides these I have no idea. I'm familiar with PC components but a newbie in tablets. My initial budget would be around 600 to 800 (in US dollars).

Also I will use one or two clouds to sync my files (such as OneDrive) between devices, and I need to know the convenience of iOS and Windows about it.

 

Thanks for your time!

[Temmpp]

During my time in high school, my school had an iPad for learning scheme. I cant remember the exact model, but I'd highly recommend an iPad as they can be used for all the tasks you've mentioned.

 

They may be more expensive but I'd high recommend at least looking into the more recent models of the iPads.

[PleasantFuban]

5 hours ago, Ecchi said:

During my time in high school, my school had an iPad for learning scheme. I cant remember the exact model, but I'd highly recommend an iPad as they can be used for all the tasks you've mentioned.

 

They may be more expensive but I'd high recommend at least looking into the more recent models of the iPads.

Well if I decide to buy an iPad I would definitely buy the latest model.

I've read some comparison. The pro is too expensive and I'm sure those pro owners can't be poor. The iPad Air seems to be the best choice among all, but I'm not sure if all those upgrades from the budget iPad are gonna make any difference in my daily use, since I don't think I will heavily load the pad with that typing and sketching jobs. But I want my device to run smooth for quite a long time (at least until graduation).

[PleasantFuban]

5 hours ago, huilun02 said:

If your friends' iPad Airs look to be the right size for you, then get a 2019 iPad Air. If they seem too large for you, get the latest iPad Mini.

 

You won't want a larger/heavier tablet if you are going to be holding it up for long periods of time.

No I don't think I will fall in love with mini. It's too small and just a slightly larger phone for me. If my final decision is iPad I will only choose between iPad and iPad Air.

And you're probably right on the weight problem. I tried to bring my gaming laptop to class and it worked for me in terms of note taking, but it's freaking heavy and I still have to figure out a place for my mouse. But I think Windows may provide a better flexibility although iPadOS may have more powerful tools for specific tasks. Just asking, is it ever possible to find a not-too-cheap Windows tablet with about the same size as iPad Air?

[Commodus]

9 hours ago, PleasantFuban said:

Guys,

 

I'm planning to buy myself a tablet in winter vacation so as not to be the last tablet owner in class. I'm hoping my new device will boost my study and help make some efficient notes as I can see my GPA dropping.

So far I've limited my choices to iPad or Windows tablet, and I want to know some pros and cons of the two OSes in my case. I've seen most of my classmates using iPad Airs and keep their hands busy with Apple Pencils, but I wonder if a Windows tablet will do me any good.

As mentioned, I will mainly use my tablet to make notes, and also some document editing, perhaps some light programming (not sure). Also I think it will be a nice tool for watching videos on bed. I won't use it for gaming other than rhythm games if any. (if you guys have any good usage of tablet plz let me know.)

As for hardware, I'm planning to go with a large storage (hopefully at least 256GB) and a fast processor. A pen and an external keyboard are needed. Besides these I have no idea. I'm familiar with PC components but a newbie in tablets. My initial budget would be around 600 to 800 (in US dollars).

Also I will use one or two clouds to sync my files (such as OneDrive) between devices, and I need to know the convenience of iOS and Windows about it.

 

Thanks for your time!

About the only thing you mention that would necessitate Windows would be light programming, but for everything else... iPad.  Windows is great as a desktop interface, but it's still behind on tablets and usually dictates sacrifices in areas where the iPad thrives (battery life and portability in particular).  I would definitely get an add-on keyboard if you intend to do significant typing, though.

 

Performance-wise, I'd look at the iPad Air.  The iPad Pro is awesome, but it starts at the high end of your range without a Pencil or keyboard.  You might push past your budget a little bit with a 256GB model + Pencil + keyboard, but you'll be happy.

[Darkseth]

iPad is the better Tablet, hands down.
it's faster in day 2 day usage, better battery life, MUCH better user experience, because the OS is actually touch-optimized. And way more / better Apps.


Windows Tablets are the better "Notebook Replacement".
You get full blown x86 Desktop Applications. Fully working Office with the entirety of it's feature set, and every Desktop Application you might need. Adobe suite, AutoCAD, etc.#

 

 

Digital Note Taking? iPad > All.
Document annotating? iPad. But honestly, all will do here. iPad wins tho, because of a long battery Life and weight.

Programming: Well, it's not impossible, but you should have more possibilities with a Windows Device.