UPDATE: Would like help on which devices to buy.

[VineGal]

Hi, all

Ok, so here I am almost 3 months later.

Original thread posted:
https://www.mobileread.com/forums/sho...hlight=vinegal


I have tried the eink readers, but think at this point a tablet style device would better suit me at this time.

So, with that, I'm really needing input.

I have a chronic illness with alot of fatigue/pain, so my time researching device information is limited.

Below are the main things I would be using the device for:
1. E reader functions such a bookmarks/highlights/font changes/portability etc.
For example, my Dr requires using a particular book related to my illness, which is about 600 pages long. It is quite heavy to lug around. Also, in an electronic format, I'd be able to make bookmarks and highlights as well as look up information in the book without using the "index" in a paper book.
2. More PC or tablet style functions:
a. Email
b. Web access for message boards/research related to my illness
c. Ability to carry my personal documents in an electronic format versus paper (for example..I have alot of Dr Records/notes/labwork that are very heavy to carry)
d. Inputting notes during/after my Dr visit. (Handwriting is difficult due to pain/tremors)
e. possibly keep a video or audio log of my symptoms/progress/etc to be able to refer back to when at Dr's.
3. In general:
A device that will give me access to information, research, articles, personal history, email, etc in the most concise/time efficient manner possible.


Organization has become difficult do to the cognitive symptoms.
Feedback and how to's regarding tools that will allow me to get information from various sources and websites in one place. Thus resulting in being more organized and time efficient.
(ie...I've read about RSS feeds but have not used)

***Please note at this time I do not have a smartphone. Really feel it would be useful, especially with me now needing info on the go, but the data costs are high.


Thank you for your help!

[VaporPunk]

I'm certainly no huge expert but I'm willing to help out as much as I can. It would help if you could give people an idea of how much you want to spend.

Since you don't have a smartphone, the Samsung Galaxy Note is something you should consider (somebody else recommended it in the original topic). Light, good screen + it will do everything you want on wifi and 3G. Its just very, very pricey.
http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-GT-N70.../dp/B0067HQL30

A cheaper option is the Acer Iconia Tab A100. Wifi only, shorter battery life but otherwise a very nice little tablet.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...d_i=1232597011

You can go even cheaper with the Lenovo Ideapad (wifi only) with an older version of the android OS but again, it should take care of all of your needs.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...d_i=1232597011

If you're not in a huge rush, there will be cheaper, better options down the road, just not sure when or what.

[HarryT]

You really can't go wrong with an iPad. There's a damned good reason why it so completely dominated the tablet market.

[ProfCrash]

For the writing and the like you are going to want a tablet. There are less expensive versions out there then the Galaxy and the IPad but still more functional then the Fire or Nook Tablet. You might want to go to a best buy and see what they have there.

[speakingtohe]

You might try craigslist for an Ipad as it is a fairly robust piece of equipment.
The prices seem reasonable these days with the new Ipad coming out.

If you make sure there is a sales slip and and original packaging included, better chance of well treated and legitimate device.

Helen

[Dulin's Books]

ipad 2's are now $399 new or $349 refurbished.

[VineGal]

Hi all!

Thanks for your responses!

They are very helpful.

Someone had posted it would be good to know price point, etc.

1. Price-
Prob $250 at most. This probably won't be my permanent "tab", so don't want to invest alot
I have read about tablets with great specs coming at some point at the $250 range.
I had planned on holding off until they came out, but with traveling, etc to my Dr's, I'll want to get all info plus the 500+ page book he requires into electronic form so I don't have to lug all of that with me.

2. Galaxy Note
Yes, I've seen the Galaxy Note and it's definitely out of my range right now.

3. Galaxy Media Player: It's around 200 and size seems good. But I don't know all the specs of functionality. Do you have feedback on that device?
4. IPAD:
Yes, those are great! My son who is in 1st grade has one at school for a "digital classroom" pilot project.
But, not sure about price and size since will be taking with me to Dr visits etc.

6. Size
Since I will be taking with me, I'm wondering if a smaller screen (ie 7")and less weight would be best.

6. Smartphones/Other mobile alternatives:
a. It's getting to the point that we need to be able to have access to information on the go (ie..they cancelled son's soccer game while we were on the way up there but did not know because we didn't have access to internet)
b. Husband does not like small screens of smart phones, so he's been hesitant about purchased. He was maybe thinking of some type of "air card"/netbook or tablet combo.

So, I'd love to get any input from you all about what tools you use (smartphone, tab, etc). If you have opted not to use smartphone, then what you use.


Thanks SOOO much!

As always, you have such great info!

[hel]

Bigger size - more comfort in use, less portable, smaller size - vice versa.
Galaxy Media Player is not bad for the price. Yes, of course, Galaxy Note is much better and as I think it is totally corresponds to its price.

7" devices costs almost the same price as 9.7" and personally I don't like them - kinda of compromise, which does not work for me. When I am on the go I use Galaxy Note, when I am at home/work/etc, I use a bigger screen device. Honestly on the go 5" device is an optimum, and 7" is too big to carry around but too small for comfort usage...

[ilovejedd]

Originally Posted by VineGal

So, I'd love to get any input from you all about what tools you use (smartphone, tab, etc). If you have opted not to use smartphone, then what you use.

I have a smartphone which nowadays, is almost always plugged into a power outlet of some sort and is used almost exclusively as a Wi-Fi hotspot. With my work discount, I'm paying $38/per month for 4GB data with tethering. Recurring monthly expenses such as data plans are another thing you should take into consideration and in the long run, would probably cost a lot more than your device.

While a 7" tablet might be lighter and more portable, I would suggest going with a bigger tablet (at least 8.9"). I'm betting that book your doctor wants you to bring is in PDF format with letter-sized pages. The iPad 2's screen and resolution was barely acceptable when I read a letter-sized PDF technical review manual on it. I tried the same PDF on a Nook Color (running CM7) and that was an exercise in frustration. Had to constantly zoom and pan around the page. Not fun.

I don't suggest an Air Card/Netbook combo. It's just not as convenient as a smartphone or tablet. A portable wireless hotspot such as the Mi-Fi would be good though, and will work with multiple devices. Again, though, data is quite expensive. I reckon the monthly data plan for the Mi-Fi would cost the same as a smartphone tethering plan.

Are you up for contract renewal? If so, with online sales and weekend specials, there are plenty of Android phones (you want something running Android 2.2 or higher) you can get for $0.01 or free. How much do you need internet on the go?