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barkndog · 12-28-2011, 11:35 AM

Also consider a Toshiba Thrive. I gave one to my daughter, got it for $250 on Black Friday. Big advantage for the Thrive when using as a netbook replacement: it has a full sized USB port, so you can plug in a standard USB keyboard (no worrying about bluetooth configs, etc). Works well, no configuration needed.

Most of the other stuff is covered by apps. I have an iPad (first gen) and Android tablets for my kids, so I can speak to both OS's. I personally prefer the Android OS, but iOS is definitely more popular right now.

As far as office applications, get QuickOffice Pro for $15 (Android or iOS), it allows you to edit documents, presentations and spreadsheets created by MS Office. Can also view PDF's, not sure if it can annotate them. Probably one of the reader apps can do that, in the form of notes and bookmarks. PrincessV's recommendation of DocsToGo is another good office suite, I just happen to use QuickOffice Pro.

Magazines: look at Zinio. Personally not for me, but is very popular and displays the magazines the way they would look on paper.

File structure and files: not gonna happen on the iPad, for that you'll have to have an Android tablet. And there are dozens of "file explorer" type apps out there, many are free (or offer a free version). And consider that the iPad is not going to let you add storage (no SD card slot), many of the Android tablets will.

Dropbox makes a free app for both OS's. Consider Google Docs as well - it is tightly integrated into Android. (You can have both).

I know you don't need the audio portion, but since you likely have iTunes for your iPhone: If you were considering an Android tablet, look at Songbird. It will sync your iTunes music library with your Android tablet, and keep up with changes. Very cool.

In any case, the Thrive is going to be less expensive than the iPad, Galaxy Tab, Xoom and others with the same capabilities. However, it is thicker, due to the full size USB and HDMI ports (about the same thickness and weight as a first gen iPad).

The recommended tablets by PrincessV are all good as well. I had put a lot of research into tablets recently (bought one for each of my three kids), so I looked for usefulness and value. I bought Toshiba Thrives for my oldest to use in school, and an Acer Iconia Tab A100 (7 inch) for my youngest to use for eReading apps. I've been pleased so far.

12-28-2011, 11:35 AM	#3
barkndog Enthusiast Posts: 26 Karma: 3906 Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Too close to Birmingham, AL Device: Kindle DX (1st gen), iPad, Toshiba Thrive, Acer Iconia A100	Also consider a Toshiba Thrive. I gave one to my daughter, got it for $250 on Black Friday. Big advantage for the Thrive when using as a netbook replacement: it has a full sized USB port, so you can plug in a standard USB keyboard (no worrying about bluetooth configs, etc). Works well, no configuration needed. Most of the other stuff is covered by apps. I have an iPad (first gen) and Android tablets for my kids, so I can speak to both OS's. I personally prefer the Android OS, but iOS is definitely more popular right now. As far as office applications, get QuickOffice Pro for $15 (Android or iOS), it allows you to edit documents, presentations and spreadsheets created by MS Office. Can also view PDF's, not sure if it can annotate them. Probably one of the reader apps can do that, in the form of notes and bookmarks. PrincessV's recommendation of DocsToGo is another good office suite, I just happen to use QuickOffice Pro. Magazines: look at Zinio. Personally not for me, but is very popular and displays the magazines the way they would look on paper. File structure and files: not gonna happen on the iPad, for that you'll have to have an Android tablet. And there are dozens of "file explorer" type apps out there, many are free (or offer a free version). And consider that the iPad is not going to let you add storage (no SD card slot), many of the Android tablets will. Dropbox makes a free app for both OS's. Consider Google Docs as well - it is tightly integrated into Android. (You can have both). I know you don't need the audio portion, but since you likely have iTunes for your iPhone: If you were considering an Android tablet, look at Songbird. It will sync your iTunes music library with your Android tablet, and keep up with changes. Very cool. In any case, the Thrive is going to be less expensive than the iPad, Galaxy Tab, Xoom and others with the same capabilities. However, it is thicker, due to the full size USB and HDMI ports (about the same thickness and weight as a first gen iPad). The recommended tablets by PrincessV are all good as well. I had put a lot of research into tablets recently (bought one for each of my three kids), so I looked for usefulness and value. I bought Toshiba Thrives for my oldest to use in school, and an Acer Iconia Tab A100 (7 inch) for my youngest to use for eReading apps. I've been pleased so far.