Best Budget Tablet?

[55five55]

Hi!

 

I'm trying to find a good budget tablet, I live in Australia and ideally want to spend under $400AUD.

I have been having trouble finding things in Australia, most well regarded budget tablets (NVIDIA Shield K1, Asus ZenPad S8.0) either aren't available or I can't find anyone with something in stock. I've also had a look at the Samsung Tab A 8, are there any other good budget tablets to consider?

 

I'll mainly use it for watching videos so screen is most important (8-10 inch screen), some light gaming and general browsing. Not fussed about using the camera much so that isn't important to me. If there is something that has an optional keyboard thats a big plus too!

 

What are some good quality international companies that might ship to AUS, or is it worth only considering something I can find here?

[ForumTryhard]

Amazon Kindle Fire HD

[ARikozuM]

What's your usage for it?

[55five55]

5 minutes ago, ARikozuM said:

What's your usage for it?

Mainly watching videos, so screen is important and would like an 8-10 inch tablet. Light gaming and not much else that would be taxing on it Camera quality doesn't bother me as I doubt I will take many photos with it. But if it could have an optional keyboard attachment that is a big plus to me.

[ARikozuM]

Do you care for Android, iOS, or Windows?

[55five55]

2 minutes ago, ARikozuM said:

Do you care for Android, iOS, or Windows?

Don't mind if it's Android or Windows, do not want iOS though, for whatever reason I've never liked iPads.

[ARikozuM]

I've used the Acer Iconia 7 (Android), Samsung Tab A 7" and currently testing the 9.7" with the S-pen (Android), HP Stream 7 (Win 8.1), and the Apple iPad Mini 3rd Gen (iOS).

 

Those are the ones that I can recommend from a personal suggestion. Currently, the hospital is outfitted with HP Stream 7's and, if I can get it to work with the AviMark software, moving to the Samsung Tab A 9.7 since Android is a little better suited to lower powered devices and supports up to 128GB Micro SD cards while the Stream 7 only supports 64GB.

 

These tablets have all been good for videos, photos, and surfing the web along with accessing servers/NAS devices.

 

if you have any specific question and I have the answer, feel free to ask.

[55five55]

2 hours ago, ARikozuM said:

I've used the Acer Iconia 7 (Android), Samsung Tab A 7" and currently testing the 9.7" with the S-pen (Android), HP Stream 7 (Win 8.1)

Thanks so much for the replies!

 

How do you compare the Samsung Tab A 7" and 9.7" for watching videos? Is the extra screen real estate a big bonus?

From Samsung I'd be considering the 8" or the 9.7", they have the same resolution and are $100 different in price. Basically the specs seem exactly the same (slightly better battery on the 9.7") other than the size so not sure if it's worth the cost. 

[55five55]

Whoops double post.

[ARikozuM]

I would see which one you like more by going to Best Buy if they have them. Having the same resolution makes the smaller one have better DPI so it looks finer. For watching videos (granted I review surgeries to patients) I would say they're both very good with the 9.7" being easier to hold.

 

All in all, just go to Best Buy.

 

7"

Pros - Smaller screen appears finer when watching movies or YouTube. Easier to use with both hands on the sides in landscape. Battery lasted about 6 hours IIRC when watching movies from the SD card.

Cons - May have to zoom in to read some webpages. Battery, IIRC, only lasts 4 hours when watching videos OTA.

 

9.7"

Pros - Same as 7" but landscape requires one hand coming off the side to touch anything in the center. Battery is lasting me about half to an hour longer on both scenarios. S-Pen is very accurate but you don't need that.

Cons - Portrait requires two hands.

[ARikozuM]

If you're a guy, like me, and use a messenger bag the 9.7" is a good tablet for personal or business.

If you prefer the pockets your jeans come with the 7" fits better. #Ladies
 

[55five55]

1 hour ago, ARikozuM said:

All in all, just go to Best Buy.

I wish we had Best Buy in Aus  but I'm sure I'll be able to find somewhere with both on display, a JB or something should!

 

I'll compare them and see how it goes. I plan on traveling a fair bit next year so the 8" has the benefit of being lighter and smaller but it's not a big difference so the 9.7" might be preferable with the larger screen and battery.

 

Thanks again for the help!!