Netbook or Tablet?
We have recently filled our 500gb hard drive up with lots of films and tv shows using a company called Rogue simply because we are getting a camper van in Australia and possibly New Zealand too and we thought as the only tech we have are our ipods and phones that it could keep us occupied and also save a bit of money.The issues we have are that the tablets don't usually come with USB ports so we would have to find a computer and transfer the films etc on to the I pad which can be a pain. We have been spending a bit of money in internet cafes which there will be no need for if we were to get a net book.
I know that this topic has popped up a few times but mostly it is for different reasons i.e. photos.
Ultimately what we want from the tech is
- Good to watch films on
- Good battery life
- Camera/Microphone to skype back home
- Functions of a net book with the usability of a tablet (if that's possible)
As you can see we are leaning towards a Net Book so if you think that's the right choice which one would you recommend for us to get that will fulfill our needs. Also we will be getting it from MBK in Bangkok so it has to be purchasable from this side of the world.
All help will be very much appreciated, Thank you
1
You are going to have to decide what is best for you. On my Kindle thread I have said why I picked up a Note Book.If you are not using caravan parks in Australia and maybe NZ you will not have regular access to an electricity supply so this will help you decide. Generally Tablets take a lot, lot longer to recharge than any kind of laptop. But the bigger and brighter the screen on laptops will use more, though modern Note Books have far better batteries so will last longer than older ones.
A Note Book will also have a camera, microphone and wifi (or cable) so you can connect with the folks back home.
With an NB you can also store endless photos and have other computer programmes on which can come in useful.
As to your movies and films, you need to check if a Tablet will play them as they are. I have lots of different players on my Note Book to play any kind but I don't know about a Tablet.
2
A couple weeks ago I saw an Android tablet that had a (full) usb port- which would most likely be able to read off your portable hard drive. That checks all the boxes you listed. Unfortunately I cant remember the name/make of the tablet, so hopefully someone else on the forum can help out.Sorry I couldnt be of more help!
3
OK I have a 10inch Dell netbook, great little computer does everything you want to do. The 11 inch Mac Book Air would also do everything at a higher cost. I also have an iPad which will become an iPad Mini as soon as available as my new travel companion.RE: iPads and such, they mainly don’t have a USB port because they can run an external HD for a short time then it dies, remember if your external HD is USB powered as all the little pocket sized ones are it is using the Computer/iPad’s battery and it’s a HD, now if you have a high capacity SSD it would last longer but this isn’t the easy way to watch movies, I use wifi in hotels and stream them to my iPad, this doesn’t help you in the outback.
So the long and short of it, get a netbook, get a universal charger including 12volt for an auto take your external HD and enjoy your movies.
4
The ASUS Transformer Prime is an android tablet with a keyboard attachment which also has its own battery so it will have extended battery life and it also has a standard USB port for HDD or digital cameras without using an adaptor and it does skype with a front facing camera and mic. However with that said, this is ASUS' flagship tablet so it won't be cheap and for that kind of price I personally would lean a netbook because for that same price you would get more storage space and possible more processing power to play those HD movies.5
Thank you everyone! We have had a look in Bangkok in a few shops MBK and Siam Paragon and we have stumbled across the new Sony Duo which is a tablet but then can be turned into a netbook too, everything is perfect except for the price! So I think we are now deciding between a Netbook and an UltraBook depending what we can get for our budget (500 gbp) in either Kuala Lumpar or Singapore.All of your advice has been taken on board, much appreciated.
Thanks Again, Chelsey
6
The Pantip Plaza, a short taxi ride from MBK and Siam is the place for all things electronic in Bangkok.Do shop around there as prices vary and don't hesitate to ask questions and ask for a demo. You might ask if any extras come with it (as in freebies).
KL has far less selection than Bangkok and Singapore is worse still.
