Tablet Showdown: Note 10.1, Tab 3, Nexus 10, unreleased Tab

[JCHLaw]

Ok, so I have searched and scoured through the relevant forum posts, but I want to ask this question after reading everything.

What is the best Android-based tablet? I want a screen at least 10". I REALLY want MicroSD expansion, because while this will be used mostly for work, I do travel frequently and will use it for playing movies, tv shows, etc (they are large, large files after they're ripped from the discs). The Stylus option seems pretty helpful given that I will be using it for work so much. I want as much RAM and storage as possible and the fastest processor available.

I want to know that I'm buying something that will be getting updates for awhile and that the hardware will be able to handle said updates.

I also HATE buyer's remorse. I pride myself on being a very well-informed consumer. To this end, I am a little afraid that Google/Samsung is about to release a new version of one or all of these tablets and I don't want to buy something and then one month later something much, much better is released at the same price point (or close enough). Does anyone have a well-sourced date for when new models emerge?

I have been torn between the Note 10.1 and the Nexus 10. I like that the Nexus doesn't come with a bunch of unnecessary bells & whistles, but I REALLY like the MicroSD slot on the Note (really, really, really like it--I even took one of my MicroSD's to Best Buy, stuck it in there and pulled up some files from it--beautiful.).

I feel like I read that the Note 10.1 was originally released almost a year ago--August 2012, but that it got a bit of an upgrade and a better version of it hit the market earlier this year (is that right?). I would like comparisons of the most recent, current models.

THANK YOU! (and my apologies if I missed this exact question already being asked--recently--I really looked hard to try to avoid duplicate topics)

 

[paintdrinkingpete]

Ok, so I have searched and scoured through the relevant forum posts, but I want to ask this question after reading everything.

What is the best Android-based tablet? I want a screen at least 10". I REALLY want MicroSD expansion, because while this will be used mostly for work, I do travel frequently and will use it for playing movies, tv shows, etc (they are large, large files after they're ripped from the discs). The Stylus option seems pretty helpful given that I will be using it for work so much. I want as much RAM and storage as possible and the fastest processor available.

I want to know that I'm buying something that will be getting updates for awhile and that the hardware will be able to handle said updates.

I also HATE buyer's remorse. I pride myself on being a very well-informed consumer. To this end, I am a little afraid that Google/Samsung is about to release a new version of one or all of these tablets and I don't want to buy something and then one month later something much, much better is released at the same price point (or close enough). Does anyone have a well-sourced date for when new models emerge?

I have been torn between the Note 10.1 and the Nexus 10. I like that the Nexus doesn't come with a bunch of unnecessary bells & whistles, but I REALLY like the MicroSD slot on the Note (really, really, really like it--I even took one of my MicroSD's to Best Buy, stuck it in there and pulled up some files from it--beautiful.).

I feel like I read that the Note 10.1 was originally released almost a year ago--August 2012, but that it got a bit of an upgrade and a better version of it hit the market earlier this year (is that right?). I would like comparisons of the most recent, current models.

THANK YOU! (and my apologies if I missed this exact question already being asked--recently--I really looked hard to try to avoid duplicate topics)

Interesting, a bunch of news came out today about leaks of Samsung's newest full-sized tablets...here's one article I pulled from a quick google search:
Samsung coming with Galaxy Note 12.2 and Galaxy Note 10.1 with same resolution | The News Tribe
I'm sure you could find more with similar content.

So essentially, it looks like the next Note tablet will be a bit larger (12.2") and sport some pretty decent specs. The Nexus 10, which many predict will drop around November based on Google's recent device releases, will also be getting a bit of an upgrade.

Based on your criteria you mention above, especially the "buyer's remorse" bit, you're probably best waiting at this point if you're looking at either of these tablets. If those rumored specs are true, that Note tablet will be pretty sweet...unfortunately no one really knows when they will be released, but "sometime this fall" would be a probably be a good guess.

The original Note 10.1 did get a software update since it's launch, but I'm not aware of any hardware upgrades since then...?

 

[JCHLaw]

Damn, ok. I really don't want to wait even another week to finally jump into the tablet world. I have a 2-week business trip coming up that a tablet would be exceptionally helpful with.

If I could pick up a Note for a couple hundred bucks, I'd be happy to upgrade in a few months at full price. Just thinking out loud.

 

[paintdrinkingpete]

Damn, ok. I really don't want to wait even another week to finally jump into the tablet world. I have a 2-week business trip coming up that a tablet would be exceptionally helpful with.

If I could pick up a Note for a couple hundred bucks, I'd be happy to upgrade in a few months at full price. Just thinking out loud.

I know what you mean, and honestly I love my Nexus 10, but you did mention that you don't want to get something that will soon be outdated.

I'm the kind of person that would probably buy one now because I really wanted it and hate waiting, then get mad at myself when the new one comes out... and then but it anyway, hoping to sell my old(er) one.

Sent from my Nexus 10 using Tapatalk HD

 

[JCHLaw]

I'm the kind of person that would probably buy one now because I really wanted it and hate waiting, then get mad at myself when the new one comes out... and then but it anyway, hoping to sell my old(er) one.

....I'm going to tell my wife that it was your idea then..

Next question: do you use a bluetooth keyboard with your Nexus 10? I've read reviews on a lot of them about keys that stop responding or stick. I want to find a good one. I'd rather spend $100 on one than go through 3 or 4 that cost $30-50.

 

[axllebeer]

Samsung Galaxy Note Tablet PC, GT-N8013-EA16ARB - Walmart.com
Here it is. This is where I got mine as a referb and I'm extremely happy with it.

Damn, ok. I really don't want to wait even another week to finally jump into the tablet world. I have a 2-week business trip coming up that a tablet would be exceptionally helpful with.

If I could pick up a Note for a couple hundred bucks, I'd be happy to upgrade in a few months at full price. Just thinking out loud.

And I use the BlackBerry PlayBook mini keyboard with mine and although it works great that's not much help to you as they are pretty rare and don't fit in a case with the Note 10.1.
And you mentioned SD card storage. Remember that there is also USB Host which means with an adapter you can plug in flash drives, a USB mouse, keyboard, and more. I have mine rooted and can use my 1tb HDD with it.

 

[zr2s10]

Dang, that is a good price! When I was looking for mine (in March/April), both Best Buy and Walmart had them refurbished. But by the time I decided on it, they were all out. I got impatient and bought mine new. I did buy gift cards for Best Buy at Giant Eagle, and got fuel perks out of it, so it wasn't AS bad,lol.

As to the OP, if you're not willing to wait until fall, I would say get the Note 10.1. It's a better work machine, IMO, than a Nexus, simply because of the S-Pen and the SD Card Slot. And if you're looking to do alot with movies and TV shows, that SD card slot will be nice. I'm sure you can get an adapter for the Nexus, but then you have to have something hanging off of it while you need that storage hooked up. The SD Card will be out of the way. I actually use mine for work, more than I do at home, and definitely don't regret it. And once the 12 incher comes out (and drops in price at least a little!) I'll probably replace my 10.1 with that, lol.

I don't have a bluetooth keyboard, so I can't help you there. It's hard to find a Note specific case to begin with, one with the keyboard is impossible, though I know they can be added. But I use Swiftkey Tablet and a Belkin flip case from Verizon for mine, haven't missed the keyboard yet. But if you plan to type alot, you may miss it. I just hand write notes on docs, and sketch designs in S-Note. I realize people in other professions may want that keyboard!