Nexus 8 or iPad Mini, what's the best tablet for college?

[JeffDenver]

Wow, so maybe note taking on a non-"note" tablet wouldn't be so bad after all? And he's only using his finger. This makes the Tab S seem like a better option.

I work in the mortgage industry...digital signing has been pretty standard for a while now. I also sign for FedEx packages with my finger. The days of the newton are long gone. The technology has matured enough to be genuinely useful now.

Does everyone else seem to think that Samsung has bad support or is it just sting7k?

I am not a Samsung fan either. They have a mixed history with support. I would strongly recommend avoiding Samsung tablets.

The only Non-Nexus products I would trust at this point are Moto products. Anything else, you are taking your chances.

It seems like everyone I know is very happy with their galaxy phones.

IMO, this is because they don't know anything better. I know lots of people with Samsung phones (most Android users I know have Samsung phones). They are in awe with how fast and smooth Nexus devices are. It never even occurs to them that there is something better...they just accept Samsung as the standard. Vanilla Android is like some kind of phone-nerd secret that the general public doesn't know about.

But really, Samsung is not awful. Their hardware is awesome. But you have to accept touchwiz as the price of admission, and touchwiz is a clumsy and heavy skin. It's not pretty, it's not elegant, it's not fast, and you will probably not care about the vast majority of it's gimmicky features. None of that would matter if you could remove it, but you can't.

A perfect example of one of it's limitations is ART runtime...on most phones (even vendor phones) you can switch to this at will. Samsung does not give you that option, even on their phones with KitKat.

I know people who still have the s3.

My BF has one. Awesome phone (except for battery life). Even by today's standards it is pretty good. But it is polluted with Touchwiz, and it has cause him all kinds of headaches.

 

[JeffDenver]

Not that essential during class time.

At least not to you. But you asked for an example, and I provided one.

Me personally, I would prefer to write my notes over type. I honestly don't go over my notes all that much for a test (I prefer to study the book, maybe occasionally refer back to notes) but I believe just the act of writing those notes gives you some sort of muscle memory-actual memory thing that makes it easier to remember than if you just typed and weren't shaping the letters with your hand.

IMO, this would be useful then. You can not only take notes, you can take photos of stuff to avoid having to take notes about the content. Quicker and easier (and maybe more accurate).

My advice: Go play with a demo unit and see if it is intuitive to you. I do not agree with A895 that it is something you should not even consider. IMO it is potentially useful.

 

[Dannirobern]

I work in the mortgage industry...digital signing has been pretty standard for a while now. I also sign for FedEx packages with my finger. The days of the newton are long gone. The technology has matured enough to be genuinely useful now.


I am not a Samsung fan either. They have a mixed history with support. I would strongly recommend avoiding Samsung tablets.

The only Non-Nexus products I would trust at this point are Moto products. Anything else, you are taking your chances.


IMO, this is because they don't know anything better. I know lots of people with Samsung phones (most Android users I know have Samsung phones). They are in awe with how fast and smooth Nexus devices are. It never even occurs to them that there is something better...they just accept Samsung as the standard. Vanilla Android is like some kind of phone-nerd secret that the general public doesn't know about.

But really, Samsung is not awful. Their hardware is awesome. But you have to accept touchwiz as the price of admission, and touchwiz is a clumsy and heavy skin. It's not pretty, it's not elegant, it's not fast, and you will probably not care about the vast majority of it's gimmicky features. None of that would matter if you could remove it, but you can't.

A perfect example of one of it's limitations is ART runtime...on most phones (even vendor phones) you can switch to this at will. Samsung does not give you that option, even on their phones with KitKat.


My BF has one. Awesome phone (except for battery life). Even by today's standards it is pretty good. But it is polluted with Touchwiz, and it has cause him all kinds of headaches.

Aw man... I swear I'll never be able to make a decision. I've tried out the Tab S before, was very impressed with the graphics/screen and how fast it was. Yesterday I tried out a Note 10 and really could see how useful the stylus was. Made me think maybe a Note tablet is the way to go. But 8" is the size I'd like and the note 8 is a year old and slightly out of date. Then again, that makes it much cheaper and it was always considered a great tablet just too expensive. The Tab s is more powerful, but no note features and no way to try using it with a stylus in store. Then there's the Nexus 8 which is only predicted with no actual release date, could be pushed to December for all we know in time for christmas. Just for convenience it would be nice to have a tablet when school starts (sept. 22 I think) so I would have all my notes in one place from the beginning.
Then there are other tablets like the Note 10 which seems great but is $500 and I'd like to pay no more than $400 and 10" doesn't rest comfortably in the hand like 8". But I heard Note 10 has 3 gb of RAM. And the LG G PAD 8.3 GPE which seems great, is also almost a year old.... And there are good deals like this: https://forums.androidcentral.com/e...6lp%3D10%23tab%3DbuyingOptions&token=NyQMlkQH but it still doesn't change the fact that 8" is the better size

 

[lpt2569]

Aw man... I swear I'll never be able to make a decision. I've tried out the Tab S before, was very impressed with the graphics/screen and how fast it was. Yesterday I tried out a Note 10 and really could see how useful the stylus was. Made me think maybe a Note tablet is the way to go. But 8" is the size I'd like and the note 8 is a year old and slightly out of date. Then again, that makes it much cheaper and it was always considered a great tablet just too expensive. The Tab s is more powerful, but no note features and no way to try using it with a stylus in store. Then there's the Nexus 8 which is only predicted with no actual release date, could be pushed to December for all we know in time for christmas. Just for convenience it would be nice to have a tablet when school starts (sept. 22 I think) so I would have all my notes in one place from the beginning.
Then there are other tablets like the Note 10 which seems great but is $500 and I'd like to pay no more than $400 and 10" doesn't rest comfortably in the hand like 8". But I heard Note 10 has 3 gb of RAM. And the LG G PAD 8.3 GPE which seems great, is also almost a year old....

I have the Note 10.1 (2014 edition), the Note Pro 12.2, and an iPad Mini Retina. The Note tablets are wonderful for note taking in class if you prefer to take notes by hand, which I do. I have had zero issues with my Samsung tablets, and the 10" size sounds like it would be perfect for you. When trying to take notes, at least for me, I want a screen that is close in size to a real notepad. The multi-window feature lets you have your notes on one side of the screen, and a web browser or another app open on the other side (like the teacher's presentation, a digital textbook, or something like that). The multi-window feature does not lag for me on either of my Note tablets, and I have found it to be an awesome feature for class, for writing papers, etc. The Note Pro 12.2 has basically replaced my 10", ( I have the Samsung keyboard and mouse too), so if you want to buy a used Note 10.1, let me know!!

 

[Dannirobern]

I have the Note 10.1 (2014 edition), the Note Pro 12.2, and an iPad Mini Retina. The Note tablets are wonderful for note taking in class if you prefer to take notes by hand, which I do. I have had zero issues with my Samsung tablets, and the 10" size sounds like it would be perfect for you. When trying to take notes, at least for me, I want a screen that is close in size to a real notepad. The multi-window feature lets you have your notes on one side of the screen, and a web browser or another app open on the other side (like the teacher's presentation, a digital textbook, or something like that). The multi-window feature does not lag for me on either of my Note tablets, and I have found it to be an awesome feature for class, for writing papers, etc. The Note Pro 12.2 has basically replaced my 10", ( I have the Samsung keyboard and mouse too), so if you want to buy a used Note 10.1, let me know!!

Hmm, the Note 10 wasn't too big IMO but I liked how the Tab S 8.4 fit in my hand....But Like I said the Note 10 still seemed a good size, I just wish I could fit it in my hand.

 

[JeffDenver]

Aw man... I swear I'll never be able to make a decision. I've tried out the Tab S before, was very impressed with the graphics/screen and how fast it was.

Samsung does make good hardware. If you don't care about touchwiz, and you are not super concerned with quick OS updates, and you don't care about the extra cost, go ahead and get it. You know what you like better than anyone else does. I don't mean that sarcastically.

I do think it would be a mistake not to at lest try the Shield though.

The Tab s is more powerful

Here is engadget's review: Samsung Galaxy Tab S review: slim design, long battery life, stunning screen - It has awesome specs if you are spec-focused (which I am actually...I just hate Touchwiz that much). It does have a better display (all these displays are excellent IMO, like comparing a Ferrari to a Lamborghini), and a better camera (higher MP and has a flash for the rear camera).

The Shield destroys it for processing power though (both CPU and GPU). And for battery life. This site has comparison charts. AnandTech | Short Bytes: NVIDIA's SHIELD Tablet - The shield will have better stylus support IMO, a faster CPU/GPU, and is more likely to get updates quicker. The Shield does have a better front camera (5MP).

Then there are other tablets like the Note 10 which seems great but is $500 and I'd like to pay no more than $400 and 10" doesn't rest comfortably in the hand like 8". But I heard Note 10 has 3 gb of RAM. And the LG G PAD 8.3 GPE which seems great, is also almost a year old.

Honestly, 2 gigs of RAM is probably plenty for any of them. More is never a bad thing, but tablets are not like PCs in that they are not as RAM hungry. Most apps will be designed around a 1 gig system or less. I have 2 gigs on my Nexus 5, and I have never come across a situation where I wished I had more RAM. In tablets, CPU matters more than RAM.

I own both a 10 inch and 7 inch tablet...IMO the 7-inch is way more useful. Portability matters a lot more than I thought it would. You can use 7-inch tablets one handed, and that is really hard to do with the 10 inch ones.

 

[Dannirobern]

Samsung does make good hardware. If you don't care about touchwiz, and you are not super concerned with quick OS updates, and you don't care about the extra cost, go ahead and get it. You know what you like better than anyone else does. I don't mean that sarcastically.

I do think it would be a mistake not to at lest try the Shield though.


Here is engadget's review: Samsung Galaxy Tab S review: slim design, long battery life, stunning screen - It has awesome specs if you are spec-focused (which I am actually...I just hate Touchwiz that much). It does have a better display (all these displays are excellent IMO, like comparing a Ferrari to a Lamborghini), and a better camera (higher MP and has a flash for the rear camera).

The Shield destroys it for processing power though (both CPU and GPU). And for battery life. This site has comparison charts. AnandTech | Short Bytes: NVIDIA's SHIELD Tablet - The shield will have better stylus support IMO, a faster CPU/GPU, and is more likely to get updates quicker. The Shield does have a better front camera (5MP).


Honestly, 2 gigs of RAM is probably plenty for any of them. More is never a bad thing, but tablets are not like PCs in that they are not as RAM hungry. Most apps will be designed around a 1 gig system or less. I have 2 gigs on my Nexus 5, and I have never come across a situation where I wished I had more RAM. In tablets, CPU matters more than RAM.

I own both a 10 inch and 7 inch tablet...IMO the 7-inch is way more useful. Portability matters a lot more than I thought it would. You can use 7-inch tablets one handed, and that is really hard to do with the 10 inch ones.

Thanks for the link. From what I've seen the shield looks ideal. But however my dad (person who feeds me tech info) says that he thinks it's unwise to buy less popular/known tablets because not all apps will work for them. He said even though his Archos tablet (sorry I know you said archos and NVIDIA are different but still) is updated to a fairly recent android version it still can't get all apps and he says it's because app manufacturers make apps for the popular tablets.
But he doesn't know much about Vanilla android, correct me if you don't think this would be a problem. It would be unfortunate though if not many Shield's sold or the company decided to kinda ditch the tablet update-wise.
Also I didn't see a Shield at my local BestBuy...not sure where I could find one to try out :/
To me it would be a bit risky to buy the Tab S just because I'll never be able to try it out with a stylus in store to see how it handles a handwriting recognition app. This is what makes me lean towards the Note 10, but like you said just from trying the Note 10 out I could tell it wasn't as convenient a size as the Tab s 8.4....but ohhh I love the Wacom stylus and stuff

 

[UJ95x]

Thanks for the link. From what I've seen the shield looks ideal. But however my dad (person who feeds me tech info) says that he thinks it's unwise to buy less popular/known tablets because not all apps will work for them. He said even though his Archos tablet (sorry I know you said archos and NVIDIA are different but still) is updated to a fairly recent android version it still can't get all apps and he says it's because app manufacturers make apps for the popular tablets.
But he doesn't know much about Vanilla android, correct me if you don't think this would be a problem. It would be unfortunate though if not many Shield's sold or the company decided to kinda ditch the tablet update-wise.
Also I didn't see a Shield at my local BestBuy...not sure where I could find one to try out :/
To me it would be a bit risky to buy the Tab S just because I'll never be able to try it out with a stylus in store to see how it handles a handwriting recognition app. This is what makes me lean towards the Note 10, but like you said just from trying the Note 10 out I could tell it wasn't as convenient a size as the Tab s 8.4....but ohhh I love the Wacom stylus and stuff

NVIDIA isn't an "off" brand. They're the biggest manufacturer of GPUs for mobile and desktop. Their Tegra K1 is the most powerful CPU for any tablet/phone currently on the market. The Shield runs near stock Android, with a few of NVIDIA's apps for gaming (that is the biggest feature of the device). It will have no problem running apps

 

[lpt2569]

I own both a 10 inch and 7 inch tablet...IMO the 7-inch is way more useful. Portability matters a lot more than I thought it would. You can use 7-inch tablets one handed, and that is really hard to do with the 10 inch ones.

Agreed, I love the smaller form factor for media consumption around the house or on the go.

This is what makes me lean towards the Note 10, but like you said just from trying the Note 10 out I could tell it wasn't as convenient a size as the Tab s 8.4....but ohhh I love the Wacom stylus and stuff

If you want the device mainly for fun (games/movies/youtube/reading), go with an 8" tablet (any of the ones suggested in this thread are great choices, but my choice would be the Tab S simply for the screen and weight). If you want it mainly for taking notes and productivity, IMO the 10" is better suited to this, especially if you take advantage of the multi-window feature on the Samsung Tablets. And the Note 10.1 is very lightweight and has an excellent screen. After using my Note Pro 12.2" tablet the last few weeks, the 10" tablet feels like a feather in my hands! It's all about perspective!

 

[JeffDenver]

Thanks for the link. From what I've seen the shield looks ideal. But however my dad (person who feeds me tech info) says that he thinks it's unwise to buy less popular/known tablets because not all apps will work for them.

There are reasons not to buy lesser known brands, but apps is not one of them. I cannot think of a single app that will work on the Tab S, but not on the Shield.

Apps on Android are pretty standardized. On iOS, there are tablet-specific apps and Phone specific apps...but on Android, apps are generic. I can install any tablet app on my phone (sometimes developers forbid this from the Play store, but it is physically possible to do...and they will work).

The only apps that would not work on the Shield, maybe, are Samsung-specific apps (stuff tied to Touchwiz). I would ask your dad if he has an example of an app that works on one Android device, but not another. As an Android phone nerd, I can't think of even one.

He said even though his Archos tablet (sorry I know you said archos and NVIDIA are different but still) is updated to a fairly recent android version it still can't get all apps and he says it's because app manufacturers make apps for the popular tablets.

Nope. Completely incorrect. Any app can be installed on any Android device.

The reason your dad can't use Archos as an example is because it does not include the basic google apps. The basic google apps (Maps, Gmail, the Play store, ect) are only on devices Google has approved. Not all Android devices are google approved. Most of them are, but not all of them. "Android" is the OS. But the OS does not include Google apps (Maps, Gmail, ect)...you need to add those separately. Google-approved devices are allowed to have these pre-installed, but non-approved devices are not. You can still manually install these apps (the installers are available all over the internet, and Google doesn't care if you use them), but the tablet can't be sold with them already installed. This includes the Google Play Store, which is where most Android apps come from.

So your dad is probably talking about this. The archos tablet is not an approved device, so you have to add the Play store manually if you want Google apps.

For the record, I have owned Archos tablets in the past as well. So I know what he is talking about. The Amazon Kindle is another example of a non-standard Android tablet...Amazon does not want you using google apps on it, so they don't have the Play store installed. Just their own "Amazon" store. If you want google apps on it you can get them, but you'll have to hack it.

Anyway, long story short, the Shield is not one of those tablets. It is fully standardized. It will run anything a Tab S or a Nexus 7 will run.

But he doesn't know much about Vanilla android, correct me if you don't think this would be a problem.

Just the opposite. When I say "Vanilla Android", I mean "Google-Approved Vanilla Android". Archos is the exception, not the rule. Most vanilla android products you will come across are google approved. And it is easy to tell if they are not.

The Shield is vanilla android in the same way the nexus is vanilla android. The Nexus will run any android app.

Also I didn't see a Shield at my local BestBuy...

They are brand new...they were literally released last week. And they were originally intended to be released in September. If it isn't there yet it will be soon.

NVIDIA SHIELD Tablet 16GB 940817612500000 - Best Buy

You could also try other stores if Best Buy won't let you demo the styluses.

 

[Dannirobern]

There are reasons not to buy lesser known brands, but apps is not one of them. I cannot think of a single app that will work on the Tab S, but not on the Shield.

Apps on Android are pretty standardized. On iOS, there are tablet-specific apps and Phone specific apps...but on Android, apps are generic. I can install any tablet app on my phone (sometimes developers forbid this from the Play store, but it is physically possible to do...and they will work).

The only apps that would not work on the Shield, maybe, are Samsung-specific apps (stuff tied to Touchwiz). I would ask your dad if he has an example of an app that works on one Android device, but not another. As an Android phone nerd, I can't think of even one.


Nope. Completely incorrect. Any app can be installed on any Android device.

The reason your dad can't use Archos as an example is because it does not include the basic google apps. The basic google apps (Maps, Gmail, the Play store, ect) are only on devices Google has approved. Not all Android devices are google approved. Most of them are, but not all of them. "Android" is the OS. But the OS does not include Google apps (Maps, Gmail, ect)...you need to add those separately. Google-approved devices are allowed to have these pre-installed, but non-approved devices are not. You can still manually install these apps (the installers are available all over the internet, and Google doesn't care if you use them), but the tablet can't be sold with them already installed. This includes the Google Play Store, which is where most Android apps come from.

So your dad is probably talking about this. The archos tablet is not an approved device, so you have to add the Play store manually if you want Google apps.

For the record, I have owned Archos tablets in the past as well. So I know what he is talking about. The Amazon Kindle is another example of a non-standard Android tablet...Amazon does not want you using google apps on it, so they don't have the Play store installed. Just their own "Amazon" store. If you want google apps on it you can get them, but you'll have to hack it.

Anyway, long story short, the Shield is not one of those tablets. It is fully standardized. It will run anything a Tab S or a Nexus 7 will run.


Just the opposite. When I say "Vanilla Android", I mean "Google-Approved Vanilla Android". Archos is the exception, not the rule. Most vanilla android products you will come across are google approved. And it is easy to tell if they are not.

The Shield is vanilla android in the same way the nexus is vanilla android. The Nexus will run any android app.


They are brand new...they were literally released last week. And they were originally intended to be released in September. If it isn't there yet it will be soon.

NVIDIA SHIELD Tablet 16GB 940817612500000 - Best Buy

You could also try other stores if Best Buy won't let you demo the styluses.

Oh okay, I think I understand now. Hopefully the Shield will be in BestBuy in a few weeks, as it would be nice to try it out.

I suppose a stylus isn't really necessary to try out handwriting recognition, after seeing the previously posted video of someone using a handwriting recognition app on a non-stylus equipped tablet.
But the Shield tablet really is the perfect size. If I can just get over my distrust of it from not being familiar with the brand...
My dad maintains that not all apps are compatible with all devices. He says when google apps are being developed and tested, they check to make sure they run on lots of devices with an "emulator" which makes sure the app runs on lots of devices. But they can't test it on all devices, so they're going to skip over less popular ones. He still thinks I should stick with someone very popular, and i should wait and see if the Shield is really popular.

 

[UJ95x]

Oh okay, I think I understand now. Hopefully the Shield will be in BestBuy in a few weeks, as it would be nice to try it out.

I suppose a stylus isn't really necessary to try out handwriting recognition, after seeing the previously posted video of someone using a handwriting recognition app on a non-stylus equipped tablet.
But the Shield tablet really is the perfect size. If I can just get over my distrust of it from not being familiar with the brand...

But they're one of the most well known brands in tech
And you can always buy third party styluses to use with it

Sent from my Galaxy S4 running SlimKat 4.4.4

 

[codyoehl]

A perfect example of one of it's limitations is ART runtime...on most phones (even vendor phones) you can switch to this at will. Samsung does not give you that option, even on their phones with KitKat.

I can switch to ART on my GS5

Posted via Android Central App with my Samsung Galaxy S5

 

[A895]

Oh okay, I think I understand now. Hopefully the Shield will be in BestBuy in a few weeks, as it would be nice to try it out.

I suppose a stylus isn't really necessary to try out handwriting recognition, after seeing the previously posted video of someone using a handwriting recognition app on a non-stylus equipped tablet.
But the Shield tablet really is the perfect size. If I can just get over my distrust of it from not being familiar with the brand...
My dad maintains that not all apps are compatible with all devices. He says when google apps are being developed and tested, they check to make sure they run on lots of devices with an "emulator" which makes sure the app runs on lots of devices. But they can't test it on all devices, so they're going to skip over less popular ones. He still thinks I should stick with someone very popular, and i should wait and see if the Shield is really popular.

It is popular it is just a brand your dad is unfamiliar with. Nvidia has plenty of supports and updates. This is not a unknown brand, this is that manufacturer of some of the most popular computer gaming chips.

Posted via the Android Central App

 

[ultravisitor]

My dad maintains that not all apps are compatible with all devices. He says when google apps are being developed and tested, they check to make sure they run on lots of devices with an "emulator" which makes sure the app runs on lots of devices. But they can't test it on all devices, so they're going to skip over less popular ones. He still thinks I should stick with someone very popular, and i should wait and see if the Shield is really popular.

No offense, but you should take what your dad says with a grain of salt. He doesn't seem to know and understand Android very well--especially not as well as many of the people who post at this board.

You've been given good advice about Nvidia.

 

[Dannirobern]

No offense, but you should take what your dad says with a grain of salt. He doesn't seem to know and understand Android very well--especially not as well as many of the people who post at this board.

You've been given good advice about Nvidia.

Haha, it's all good. I listen to him because I mostly get my info by reading things online, he's more tech-y than I am.
But I do think it's a good idea to wait and see how sales are for the Shield.

 

[JeffDenver]

I suppose a stylus isn't really necessary to try out handwriting recognition, after seeing the previously posted video of someone using a handwriting recognition app on a non-stylus equipped tablet.

It's not the same...if you are going to use this for note taking, you definitely want a stylus. Just remember there are lots of 3rd party options...you are not necessarily stuck with whatever comes with the Shield/Tab S/whatever. - Tablet Stylus Pens : Universal - Best Buy

But the Shield tablet really is the perfect size. If I can just get over my distrust of it from not being familiar with the brand...

These forums are great for advice. Fanboys really do tend to know what they are talking about (certainly more than most salespeople). But in the end, trust what you yourself like. If you're really uncomfortable buying what you consider a no-name (even if forum people tell you its not) then don't buy it.

IMO, it's very likely the Shield will be well supported, but it's not a guarantee.

My dad maintains that not all apps are compatible with all devices. He says when google apps are being developed and tested, they check to make sure they run on lots of devices with an "emulator" which makes sure the app runs on lots of devices.

He's wrong. Sorry. Android doesn't work like that. Any app I have installed on my Nexus right now will work just fine on a Tab S, or a Shield, or any other major Android tablet. Archos tablets are generally considered low-end. They are not the norm. And certainly not analogous to the Shield.

The different tablets will have different drivers for their hardware. But the Tab S and Shield are not "emulating" anything...they run these apps the same way my Nexus tablet does. Also...Google doesn't test whether or not they will run on a vendor skin. That's the OEM's job. Samsung (not Google) are the ones who need to make sure Touchwiz isn't screwing up how apps work on their products.

But they can't test it on all devices, so they're going to skip over less popular ones.

I have a $40 no-name tablet sitting in my drawer across the room that I bought last Christmas. It runs every single app I have on my Nexus 7 right now. It just does it slower because it's hardware is awful. But all the apps run fine.

I'd like to hear a few examples of apps he doesn't think this tablet will run.

He still thinks I should stick with someone very popular, and i should wait and see if the Shield is really popular.

By the time that happens, something else better will already be here. This industry moves fast. Thats why there is never a point in waiting...if you wait for something better, you end up waiting forever.

 

[JeffDenver]

I can switch to ART on my GS5

My BF has a GS3 and a co-worker of mine just got a S4 I set up...neither allows ART. Both have KitKat.

 

[JeffDenver]

Haha, it's all good. I listen to him because I mostly get my info by reading things online, he's more tech-y than I am.
But I do think it's a good idea to wait and see how sales are for the Shield.

We had a nerd argument about this recently on another thread.

Android, the OS, is free. You can use it on any device you want, without paying google a dime. You do not need the Play store to use Android...you can make your own apps for it or use apps from other stores (like Amazon). It is completely possible to use Android with zero Google stuff on it. Android does not = Google, even though Google makes it...it is it's own thing.

But the OS does NOT include Google apps (Google Maps, GMail, the Play Store, ect). These are things tied to Google itself, not Android. They are no different from the Facebook app or Twitter or any other "owned" app. Google can deny you the permission to install them. Google has a certain set of conditions that must be met by an OEM before they'll do this. Some tablet makers (usually low-end foreign ones) can't or don't want to meet these conditions, so Google does not allow them to pre-install google apps. Obviously, you can't install apps from the play store if you do not have the Play store app installed itself. When people say "Vanilla Android", they usually mean the basic OS + google apps, without any skin overlay like Touchwiz. The Shield tablet will ship with google apps pre-installed.

This does not mean that people cannot install them manually. It just means they can't SOLD with the apps already on them. After you buy it, you can download and install them yourself if you want. Even the Play store.

Your dad might be talking about one of these kinds of tablets. All the Play store apps will still work on them just fine though.

 

[Dannirobern]

It's not the same...if you are going to use this for note taking, you definitely want a stylus. Just remember there are lots of 3rd party options...you are not necessarily stuck with whatever comes with the Shield/Tab S/whatever. - Tablet Stylus Pens : Universal - Best Buy


These forums are great for advice. Fanboys really do tend to know what they are talking about (certainly more than most salespeople). But in the end, trust what you yourself like. If you're really uncomfortable buying what you consider a no-name (even if forum people tell you its not) then don't buy it.

IMO, it's very likely the Shield will be well supported, but it's not a guarantee.


He's wrong. Sorry. Android doesn't work like that. Any app I have installed on my Nexus right now will work just fine on a Tab S, or a Shield, or any other major Android tablet. Archos tablets are generally considered low-end. They are not the norm. And certainly not analogous to the Shield.

The different tablets will have different drivers for their hardware. But the Tab S and Shield are not "emulating" anything...they run these apps the same way my Nexus tablet does. Also...Google doesn't test whether or not they will run on a vendor skin. That's the OEM's job. Samsung (not Google) are the ones who need to make sure Touchwiz isn't screwing up how apps work on their products.


I have a $40 no-name tablet sitting in my drawer across the room that I bought last Christmas. It runs every single app I have on my Nexus 7 right now. It just does it slower because it's hardware is awful. But all the apps run fine.

I'd like to hear a few examples of apps he doesn't think this tablet will run.


By the time that happens, something else better will already be here. This industry moves fast. Thats why there is never a point in waiting...if you wait for something better, you end up waiting forever.

Well I'm probably not going to wait more than a few weeks so I can have it when school starts. Today I read an article by the Wall Street Journal which was saying that iPad Airs are the best for school. They could be biased, I suppose. I kind of feel like in the end any decent, newish tablet will probably satisfy me. I'd probably be happy with an iPad or the NVIDIA Shield or the Tab s. Although Apple's OS is simple and sleek, I kind of prefer the flexibility of Anroid.... Regardless.
Part of me is itching to get the Tab s actually, just after using it in store... it was great. I think being able to use the Shield in store would help my decision. I think I'll call my local BestBuy to find out if they'll have it on display any time soon, or ever. Do you think they'd let me try non-stylus equipped tablets with a stylus? Like iPad.
Thanks for clearing up my confusion about Android apps, btw.