Device (eReader or 4:3 tablet) for reading PDFs costing less than $250

sirnixxon · 11-14-2015, 04:16 PM

I'm looking for something that could be used for extensive PDF reading, mainly to read scientific papers and books (and all the associated highlitghing, bookmarking and note taking). I was previously thinking about an eReader (like Kobo Aura H20 or some Android eReader), but most opinions I see around recomend getting a tablet instead...

Since it'll be used for academic papers, I believe a device with a 7 inches screen wouldn't work very well. I took notice of the Asus ZenTab 8 (the cheaper version), but is it's size enough, or should I be looking for something bigger?

4:3 aspect ratio is important for me, since it's more natural for reading and I don't plan in using it for games or movies. I'm not planning in paying much, something under $250 (better if cheaper). Am I assuming corretly that I won't need a great processor+RAM combo just to read PDFs?

Oh, and I have certain limitations on where I could buy the tablet (I don't live in USA, but will be there for a few days early december, so was planning it getting it on Amazon and using 2-day shipping).

I thank you in advance for any advice.

JSWolf · 11-14-2015, 04:21 PM

A refurbished iPad would do you best. Check on Groupon.

sirnixxon · 11-14-2015, 04:23 PM

Thanks for the reply JSWolf, but I preffer to both avoid Apple and refurbished products.

HarryT · 11-14-2015, 04:32 PM

PDFs actually do need a decent CPU and a lot of RAM.

mising · 11-14-2015, 04:55 PM

I just searched Amazon for Samsung tablet. You can get a last generation Samsung 9.7 or 10 inch for under $250. I have a 2014 Note 10.1 that loads and renders very large pdf files quickly, plus the stylus is very handy for note taking. Tigerdirect.com and Newegg.com also usually have good deals.

hapmas77 · 11-14-2015, 11:42 PM

If it is within your budget range, I'd like to recommend you Samsung Tab S2 9.7 inch. it's lightweight and fast. Or its previous generation, Samsung Tab S 10.1 inch.

11-14-2015, 04:16 PM	#1
sirnixxon Junior Member Posts: 2 Karma: 10 Join Date: Nov 2015 Device: none	Device (eReader or 4:3 tablet) for reading PDFs costing less than $250 I'm looking for something that could be used for extensive PDF reading, mainly to read scientific papers and books (and all the associated highlitghing, bookmarking and note taking). I was previously thinking about an eReader (like Kobo Aura H20 or some Android eReader), but most opinions I see around recomend getting a tablet instead... Since it'll be used for academic papers, I believe a device with a 7 inches screen wouldn't work very well. I took notice of the Asus ZenTab 8 (the cheaper version), but is it's size enough, or should I be looking for something bigger? 4:3 aspect ratio is important for me, since it's more natural for reading and I don't plan in using it for games or movies. I'm not planning in paying much, something under $250 (better if cheaper). Am I assuming corretly that I won't need a great processor+RAM combo just to read PDFs? Oh, and I have certain limitations on where I could buy the tablet (I don't live in USA, but will be there for a few days early december, so was planning it getting it on Amazon and using 2-day shipping). I thank you in advance for any advice.

11-14-2015, 04:55 PM	#5
mising Enthusiast Posts: 36 Karma: 10 Join Date: Oct 2015 Device: Onyx InkBook, Kindle Oasis, Fire HD 8	I just searched Amazon for Samsung tablet. You can get a last generation Samsung 9.7 or 10 inch for under $250. I have a 2014 Note 10.1 that loads and renders very large pdf files quickly, plus the stylus is very handy for note taking. Tigerdirect.com and Newegg.com also usually have good deals. Last edited by mising; 11-14-2015 at 04:57 PM.

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11-14-2015, 04:21 PM	#2
JSWolf Resident Curmudgeon Posts: 79,505 Karma: 145863177 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Roslindale, Massachusetts Device: Kobo Libra 2, Kobo Aura H2O, PRS-650, PRS-T1, nook STR, PW3	A refurbished iPad would do you best. Check on Groupon.

11-14-2015, 04:23 PM	#3
sirnixxon Junior Member Posts: 2 Karma: 10 Join Date: Nov 2015 Device: none	Thanks for the reply JSWolf, but I preffer to both avoid Apple and refurbished products.

11-14-2015, 04:32 PM	#4
HarryT eBook Enthusiast Posts: 85,544 Karma: 93383099 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: UK Device: Kindle Oasis 2, iPad Pro 10.5", iPhone 6	PDFs actually do need a decent CPU and a lot of RAM.

11-14-2015, 11:42 PM	#6
hapmas77 Connoisseur Posts: 74 Karma: 691140 Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Jakarta, Indonesia Device: iPad Mini 2, Galaxy Tab S2 9.7, Kindle PW	If it is within your budget range, I'd like to recommend you Samsung Tab S2 9.7 inch. it's lightweight and fast. Or its previous generation, Samsung Tab S 10.1 inch.

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