TOO MANY CHOICES! Which budget tablet??!

[dishe]

I was never really interested in a tablet before (have a netbook and Android smartphone already), and kind of found the concept superfluous for me.

However, when I saw a Nook Color could be rooted and run the Android Market for $250, suddenly it sounded like a fun project to have around! I was thinking of buying one until I saw that the Galaxy Tab and other "official" Android tablets have dropped to comparable prices. Now I'm not so sure I want the Nook anymore, especially since even rooted ones still lack some hardware native to Android (GPS, compass, etc).

So, now, as long as I'm interested in a tablet around this price range, what do you guys recommend? There are FAR too many options out there right now... gTab, Galaxy Tab, Archos, etc.

I know the new Galaxy Tab 10" and the Xoom are awesome options, but that's way outside of my price range. I'm looking for this to be under $350 at most.

 

[hummingbirdhill]

Dell Streak 7 currently is on sale for $299.99 at Staples.

 

[Feldhege]

If you can bump that price up to $399 you can get an ASUS Transformer. I was in the same boat as you. Looking for something to try out. Then I decided to try the transformer. I ordered mine on Saturday from Amazon.com when they had them. It should be here this week. I really wanted the Tab 10.1 but without expandability of having a SD card slot, and it is $100 more, I think I will be happy with this. To find one in stock, monitor nowinstock.net.

Robb

 

[eric6052]

For that budget I would get the 7 inch wifi only Galaxy Tab. It represents the most features and build quality for the money and its pretty hackable.

 

[dishe]

For that budget I would get the 7 inch wifi only Galaxy Tab. It represents the most features and build quality for the money and its pretty hackable.

I considered that, as they had one on woot.com for a pretty good price a week or two ago. But honestly, I don't see why the Galaxy Tab would be better? Aside from the display (the one thing I like about Samsungs, honestly), the Viewsonic seems to trump it in almost every other way!

And Feldhege, wondering why you are under the impression the Viewsonic lacks a SD slot? I uses Micro-SD, up to 32GB, just like all the others I've been looking at. Unless you are requiring a full sized SD? I wasn't aware that people wanted those in a Tablet.
Personally, almost all my SD cards are actually micro-SD in an adapter anyway, so this is a completely moot point for me. Good luck with your Asus, though!

I think I'm going Viewsonic, as it appears to be the best bang for my buck!

 

[Feldhege]

I never said that. The tab 10.1 which I was looking at does not have a micro SD slot. My transformer and my tab 7.1 both do have one.

 

[hummingbirdhill]

My husband uses a Galaxy Tab 7" for fast wireless internet access and email when he is away from his puter. He's very satisfied with the Tab. Paid $349.99 at tigerdirect.com.

 

[dishe]

I never said that. The tab 10.1 which I was looking at does not have a micro SD slot. My transformer and my tab 7.1 both do have one.

Which 10.1" tab?
If we're talking about the same original Viewsonic G-Tablet 10.1", it sure does have a card slot. Right next to the USB port, under the rubber flap.

 

[wwalker1017]

I got my nook color for $250 and couldn't be happier. Yea, a 10" screen would be nice, but the 7" screen is plenty big enough and makes it lighter and more portable. So it's a tradeoff. I'm very happy with my decision to get it though.

 

[atlantar6]

Which 10.1" tab?
If we're talking about the same original Viewsonic G-Tablet 10.1", it sure does have a card slot. Right next to the USB port, under the rubber flap.

really wanted the Tab 10.1 but without expandability of having a SD card slot,


He meant the Galaxy Tab 10.1