Black Friday Deals - Tablets & eReaders

[hwlester]

Originally Posted by Prestidigitweeze

The point is not that you actually need 180 but that companies and reviewers list screens that way to indicate an absence of viewing angle issues. I've sometimes wondered whether that so-called measurement is ever literally true, but in the practical sense, it's useful.

If you're able to see a TV screen while sitting directly to the side of it, you're very talented.

[Prestidigitweeze]

Originally Posted by hwlester

If you're able to see a TV screen while sitting directly to the side of it, you're very talented.

Read this bit a second time if necessary and then let's move on:

The point is not that you actually need 180 but that companies and reviewers list screens that way to indicate an absence of viewing angle issues.

In other words, one looks for the maximum measurement because it's an assurance that viewing angles won't be an issue in the practical sense, not because the literal measurement is necessary or even discernible in actual usage.

Mr. Tubemonkey: Would you mind adding the Kindle Fire HDX+ 8.9 32GB to my list? I realize it's likely a futile exercise, but one never knows. I half expect it to show up as a fleeting gold box special during the holidays.

[hwlester]

Originally Posted by Prestidigitweeze

Did you not comprehend what I said or are you trolling, Mr. Alabama? Read this bit a second time if necessary and then let's move on:

In other words, one looks for the measurement because it's an assurance that viewing angles won't be an issue in the practical sense, not because the literal measurement is necessary or even discernible in actual usage.

Mr. Tubemonkey: Would you mind adding the Kindle Fire HDX+ 8.9 32GB to my list? I realize it's likely a futile exercise, but one never knows. I half expect it to show up as a fleeting gold box special during the holidays.

Calm down... Just wanted to emphasize that 180 is misadvertising if you see that listed as a spec. As you point out, the closer you see to 180, the better a screen is when viewed from an angle. Move on...

[Prestidigitweeze]

Originally Posted by hwlester

Calm down... Just wanted to emphasize that 180 is misadvertising if you see that listed as a spec.

It's often listed as a spec by reviewers who aren't actually advertisers; cf., the charts and spec. sheets which Blossom and were discussing.

The viewing angle is measured from one direction to the opposite, giving a maximum of 180° for a flat, one-sided screen. Some display devices exhibit different behaviour in horizontal and vertical axis, requiring users and manufacturers to specify maximum usable viewing angles in both directions. Usually the screens are aligned and used to facilitate greater viewing angle in horizontal level, and smaller angle in the vertical level, should the two of them be different in magnitude.

An explanation of the exact thing we're discussing:

The maximum possible viewing angle for any one sided display device is by default 180 degrees, which would mean that the TV or projection screen is being viewed exactly from the side. Obviously, a display device will never have a 180 degree viewing angle, although some devices can get close to this number. . . . A typical maximum viewing angle for a Plasma screen is 180 degrees.

And now for the practical meaning for someone who simply wants a device without viewing angle issues, as illustrated in this article:

The viewing angle we’re here to discuss deals with how far off to the side you can sit and still enjoy a quality image. Display manufacturers will often claim a viewing angle between 176-180 degrees. Counter to our aforementioned THX example, a display’s "viewing angle" is the angle of visibility from the display’s perspective. Therefore, a 180-degree viewing angle means you can theoretically sit anywhere you like, provided it’s not behind the TV.

Of course, the next paragraph in that same article highlights the dissonant (and likely impossible) physics you're chortling at:

As you’ll discover, those 178- or 180-degree specs TV manufacturers love to claim can often be downright laughable. Seated one or two degrees beyond the plane of your screen, you might be able to tell that the television is ON, sure, but good luck making out what’s happening on-screen.

[apesmom]

Staples has a coupon good for $50 off any regularly priced tablet of $149 or more. Good online or in stores, expires 11/17. Apple products are excluded.

That's a pretty good deal for the Nexus 7 (2nd gen) 16GB/$179 and 32 GB/$219.

[hwlester]

Originally Posted by Prestidigitweeze

Of course, the next paragraph in that same article highlights the dissonant (and likely impossible) physics you're chortling at:

As you’ll discover, those 178- or 180-degree specs TV manufacturers love to claim can often be downright laughable. Seated one or two degrees beyond the plane of your screen, you might be able to tell that the television is ON, sure, but good luck making out what’s happening on-screen.

That's exactly want I was trying to point out. 180 is physically impossible and even 178 is impractical. Thanks for finding those articles. It's definitely an issue with cheaper tablets where they use inferior screens which have to be viewed almost straight on to be usable. Buyer beware.

[Blossom]

I got my Samsung Galaxy Player 4.2 today and it's everything I wanted! It's thinner than the 5 and of course smaller. I would say it's the perfect size.

I got a great deal too! $76 and the seller included a ton of goodies two free cases, tpu skin, two stands and a screen protector.

I think I will pass on the iPod Touch 5 for now.

One thing I love about the 4.2 is the speakers are on the front instead of the back like the 5.

[DreamWriter]

Originally Posted by apesmom

Staples has a coupon good for $50 off any regularly priced tablet of $149 or more. Good online or in stores, expires 11/17. Apple products are excluded.

That's a pretty good deal for the Nexus 7 (2nd gen) 16GB/$179 and 32 GB/$219.

In addition to Apple products, refurbs and the following are also excluded from the $50 coupon:

306702 - Kindle Fire HDX 7" 16GB
075593 - Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 7.0", Gold/Brown
108945 - Kindle Fire HD 8.9” 16GB, Wifi
279977 - Acer Iconia A1-810-L615 Tablet
303981 - Microsoft Surface 2, 32GB 10.6" Tablet
310576 - Asus Memo Pad ME102 10.1'', 16GB Tablet

Here's the exclusion text:

Valid in Staples® U.S. stores, online at staples.com® or by phone at 1-800-333-3330. Discount applies to any Tablet regularly priced $149 or more. Limit one coupon per customer. Cannot be combined with any other coupons. Excludes Apple products, refurbished tablets and item nos. 306702, 075593, 108945, 279977, 303981, & 310576. Each item purchased can only be discounted by one coupon, applied by cashier in the order received and prior to tax. Coupon not valid if purchased or sold and must be surrendered. No cash/credit back. Not valid on prior purchases or purchases made with Staples® Procurement or Convenience Cards.

[Prestidigitweeze]

I just indulged in a dress rehearsal for a purchase and in fact the Staples coupon does work with the Nexus 7.2.

I wonder whether we'll see a better deal on the N7 or if this is the deal to pursue.

It's beyond our scope, but I'm also looking at the Nexus 5 and the Samsung Note 3. Those and the new iPad mini are the kinds of devices I don't expect to see discounted until next year. The mini also looks to be the first viable 7" tablet for creating music which has an OS with proper timing, software that's specific and a processor that's not underpowered (though that's true of a lot of other tablets this time around). Pity I won't get to experience that for at least twelve months. Oh, hell, oh, well!

[tubemonkey]

Originally Posted by Prestidigitweeze

I just indulged in a dress rehearsal for a purchase and in fact the Staples coupon does work with the Nexus 7.2.

I wonder whether we'll see a better deal on the N7 or if this is the deal to pursue.

If you want the N7.2, jump on this offer. This promo is just as good as the 20% off coupons that OfficeMax was running last Aug.

I doubt you'll see anything better than this.

[Ravensknight]

I've been seriously thinking of getting a 7in tablet for reading, just to test the waters. Now I have to decide, Nook hd or Kindle hd.

[apesmom]

Originally Posted by Ravensknight

I've been seriously thinking of getting a 7in tablet for reading, just to test the waters. Now I have to decide, Nook hd or Kindle hd.

I can't recommend the Nexus 7 (2nd gen) enough. There are a number of excellent reading apps available, all better than the native Kindle or Nook readers IMO (Mantano is my favorite but there's also Aldiko, Moon+ and Cool Reader to name a few along with all the store specific reading apps, Kindle, Nook, Kobo). With the Nexus or any other non-reader specific tablet you can have access to BOTH Google Play and the Amazon app store.

Whatever you do choose make sure it has a super high resolution (1920 x1200), it's extremely important for a reading device.

[Prestidigitweeze]

Originally Posted by apesmom

I can't recommend the Nexus 7 (2nd gen) enough. There are a number of excellent reading apps available, all better than the native Kindle or Nook readers IMO (Mantano is my favorite but there's also Aldiko, Moon+ and Cool Reader to name a few along with all the store specific reading apps, Kindle, Nook, Kobo). With the Nexus or any other non-reader specific tablet you can have access to BOTH Google Play and the Amazon app store.

Since I'll end up using an iPad of some kind for music, the most important reason I'd buy a Nexus 7 would be for doing readings. Every eink device I've used has failed me in that regard and I doubt a Nexus 7.2 ever would.

The main thing I haven't done with Moon is sideload fonts, but that's a minor issue. I've been focusing on a Nexus 5 for my girlfriend, but there's a good chance I'll buy a Nexus 7.2 tonight. It'll be fun to play with pure Kitkat long before I allow my S4 to upgrade.

Before I check out -- are there any accessories I might want from Staples, TM -- any particularly good covers, for example?

[Blossom]

Originally Posted by apesmom

I can't recommend the Nexus 7 (2nd gen) enough. There are a number of excellent reading apps available, all better than the native Kindle or Nook readers IMO (Mantano is my favorite but there's also Aldiko, Moon+ and Cool Reader to name a few along with all the store specific reading apps, Kindle, Nook, Kobo). With the Nexus or any other non-reader specific tablet you can have access to BOTH Google Play and the Amazon app store.

Whatever you do choose make sure it has a super high resolution (1920 x1200), it's extremely important for a reading device.

I switch to Moon+ after I saw it has Time Left To Read on it like a Kindle. Still no collections and the interface could be better but the Reader on it with all the customize options is sooo much better than Mantano.

I want a Nexus 7.2 and planning too get one the HDX is just to hard to read on with the blue border which is why I put Moon+ on there. Well worth the $5!

[library addict]

You guys are making me want a Nexus 7, too. But I shall resist...