Small tablet (9.7") + small phone (4-4.7")? Big tablet (12.9") + big phone (5.5")?

[avid01]

I literally can't decide between Combos #1 and #2. (1.1 and 1.2 are only minor differences, I can handle that.) Of course, we don't have to talk about Apple devices only, but let's say these screen sizes, and especially the 4:3 aspect ratios for tablets make sense.

Edit: As I polled about a phone + tablet combo, I could not add increments in screen sizes of every 0.1", that would make for unlimited combinations. So, if your ideal phone size is 5", as 5" is closer to 4.7" than to 5.5", tick 4.7". If your ideal tablet screen is 10.1" and 16:10, tick 9.7" (4:3), etc. Notice I'm asking about your ideal device sizes, not the size you somehow end up buying years ago, and "having to" live with, but in your heart, you would exchange it to a more preferable size.

I ask this on MobileRead because I assume you enjoy some reading on your tablet and/or your phone as well, among other, maybe productive activities. This poll is also for people who (mostly) read on their phones and/or tablets. If your main reading device is E Ink, you can skip this one. Thank you!

I'd consider the 9.7" size the smaller version of the full fledged tablet, also suitable for light desktop replacement, and the 12.9" size the larger version of it. I skipped 7.9" ones for two reasons: a) I'm sure not in the market for these b) including them would add too much, way too much complexity to the poll, but feel free to add your thoughts in the comments!

[Valkrider]

8" tablet (iPad Mini) and 4" phone for me. IMHO 9.7" are too big and heavy and 12.9" are crazy.

[Sweetpea]

8" tablet, 10" tablet and 5.5" phone for me.

Reason?


As I don't really make phone calls anymore, I decided to go for the 5.5" phone. It's handy when I want to make a quick note, search something quickly on the internet, have to find my way somewhere, type messages, and listen to the music. But it's not big enough to do any semi-serious internet searches. The screen is just too small, the amount of data presented per screen just not enough.
So, I also got an 8" tablet.
8" is movable, carryable, not too large and not too heavy. And it has a perfect size for reading.
But it's not big enough to do some semi-serious work on (think some light programming in Visual Studio and such).
So, that's where the 10" is for. It's heavier, and is mostly standing in one spot. But, if I do need it on the move, it's still portable both in size and weight (though you don't want to hold it in one hand too long). I hate reading on it though, it's too large.

And why are 7.9" tablets for kids? (I didn't even know there were 7.9" tablets though) I actually even got two 8" tablets... One is even a full Windows 8.1 OS.

[Yolina]

Not quite a tablet as such but I have Surface Pro 3 and a Note 4
The SP3 is portable enough so it isn't a PITA when travelling, N4 is large enough to be useful to do things other than calls.

Although I'd read on the Note 4 if I had to, my Kindle is always with me I much prefer e-ink for reading. If we discard preference for e-ink, I'd probably end up with an 8" tablet mostly for reading.

[booklover6]

My phone is 4". Might like a bigger one, but I'll keep what I have til it dies.

9.7" tablet is small?? I don't think so. I have a 6" tablet, and that is small. I have a 7". My favorite size is my 8". I enjoy reading on the 8" more than any of the other devices I listed in this post.

[Nate the great]

A 9.7" tablet is not a small tablet.

[avid01]

Edited the OP: I'd consider the 9.7" size the smaller version of the full fledged tablet, also suitable for light desktop replacement, and the 12.9" size the larger version of it. I skipped 7.9" ones for two reasons: a) I'm sure not in the market for these b) including them would add too much, way too much complexity to the poll, but feel free to add your thoughts on the comments!

[Phogg]

I use an eight inch full windows tablet, and a five point seven inch android phone.

Eight inches is about right for reading manga and with full windows on the tablet it runs calibre.
I don't need any other computers with this setup. I just got the windows tablet last year, but I will probably upgrade it to one the same size but including a mini HDMI port for external monitor use.

My old Samsung Galaxy Note 2 I shall use until it dies.

[Manabi]

I mainly use an 8.9" tablet for reading (Nook HD+), and a 5.4" phone (Galaxy S4). I wouldn't want a larger phone than that really, this one fits quite comfortably in my pocket and is easy to read the screen. (I use it mostly for browsing the web when out, not reading eBooks.) I don't consider 5.4" a "big" phone, since phablet phones are just enormous in comparison. I'd probably call it a medium sized one.

I got the Nook HD+ to read manga on and didn't think I'd want to read eBooks on it before I got it. But once I tried it, I liked reading on it better than on my old 7" 1st gen Kindle Fire. It's absolutely wonderful for reading manga on too.

[Cinisajoy]

I use an 8" tablet and a 4 inch phone.
Like the others, the 9.7" seems to be a medium tablet.

[HarryT]

Moved to the "Which one should I buy?" forum.

[barryem]

I have a lot of different size tablets and phones. Size matters! Every task has it's own optimal size. I'm not one of those silly people who only has the minimum number of devices.

Barry

[avid01]

Originally Posted by barryem

I have a lot of different size tablets and phones. Size matters! Every task has it's own optimal size. I'm not one of those silly people who only has the minimum number of devices.

Barry

There are quite a few reasons you might want to rationalize the number of your devices:

- Your situation is a travel situation
- There is a finite number of devices you can usefully make your home, at least, I have found. My number of devices for this is no more than two. Or, is there an app to sync or mirror, say 5 iOS devices to show the same content?
(- Feel free to add your own reasons. There are quite a few other legitimate reasons as well.)

[HarryT]

Originally Posted by Sweetpea

And why are 7.9" tablets for kids? (I didn't even know there were 7.9" tablets though)

The iPad Mini has a 20cm (7.9") screen.

[meeera]

I have an iPad Mini and an iPhone 6, and am happy with the combo. Nothing weird or childish about it.