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AdaminOz

macrumors member
Original poster
Jul 10, 2014
62
4
Melbourne, Australia
Hi Guys! I'm an architecture student in Melbourne, Australia and I want to buy a tablet with a keyboard and pen. I'd prefer a nice screen but it's not important because it's more important I have security. So I am thinking of a Chromebook with a tablet screen (one with a pen?) and a fixed keyboard OR the IPP with keyboard OR a Tablet S Pro from Samsung (you can use a pen?). What do you suggest? 10-12 inches is OK, but it's got to have a secure keyboard and I'd prefer no bluetooth because security is important. I want to be able to view plans but not to do any 3D CAD just to read documents, Kindle and view photos and perhaps draw in 2D. Thanks.
 

Gav2k

macrumors G3
Jul 24, 2009
9,216
1,608
I'm currently trying out a Lenovo yoga book. Have a look it's very good for the money.
 

Gav2k

macrumors G3
Jul 24, 2009
9,216
1,608
It has a pen and there is no spamware installed by default that I can see. Just windows 10 pro
 

AdaminOz

macrumors member
Original poster
Jul 10, 2014
62
4
Melbourne, Australia
Thanks but I said spyware not spamware. These machines are made in the PRC and have all kinds of spyware and backdoors. Western governments have been telling their officials not to buy anything Lenovo for over 10 years. I need security not PRC spyware.
 

Gav2k

macrumors G3
Jul 24, 2009
9,216
1,608
Thanks but I said spyware not spamware. These machines are made in the PRC and have all kinds of spyware and backdoors. Western governments have been telling their officials not to buy anything Lenovo for over 10 years. I need security not PRC spyware.
Same place Apple Samsung ibm etc etc manufacture there devices.
 
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AdaminOz

macrumors member
Original poster
Jul 10, 2014
62
4
Melbourne, Australia
Same place Apple Samsung ibm etc etc manufacture there devices.

They assemble their devices there, but not manufacture them and they have control over the hardware and software and monitor everything closely. The last thing a US or Korean companies wants is some Chikom firm stealing their stuff so they get the parts made elsewhere and ship them in for assembly, or basic parts assemble there under very strict supervision. That's not the issue is it? The issue is that Lenovo is partly state owned and has HTTPS breaking code that will steal your info, probably in the BIOS also. No Western government trusts them. I said I want secure, including something without a BT keyboard connection. Some reading for you and this is just one part of it.

No Lenovo, H, or X or other Chikom krap.

So then what?
 

burgman

macrumors 68030
Sep 24, 2013
2,798
2,385
Thanks but I said spyware not spamware. These machines are made in the PRC and have all kinds of spyware and backdoors. Western governments have been telling their officials not to buy anything Lenovo for over 10 years. I need security not PRC spyware.
it sounds like a legal pad and pencil is your best bet because all devices are built in similar locations and no one knows what is installed on their devices so it comes down to trust of the manufacturer. I can't imagine fear of bluetooth being a thing unless you are doing top secret design work, but if it is then I think Surface line is your only choice.
 
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Gav2k

macrumors G3
Jul 24, 2009
9,216
1,608
An artical that's 18 months old and other sites finding Lenovo was true to there word and your still worried?

If your worried remove the install and put a fresh copy of win 10 on.
 

AdaminOz

macrumors member
Original poster
Jul 10, 2014
62
4
Melbourne, Australia
An artical that's 18 months old and other sites finding Lenovo was true to there word and your still worried?

If your worried remove the install and put a fresh copy of win 10 on.

There are hundreds of articles and also probably many secret government reports on Lenovo. I won't be going into them here but I will say: what part of "spyware" on a BIOS/Hardware don't you understand? Installing Win 10 again won't help. Also Win 10 is a type of spyware but I'm more worried about Lenovo.
[doublepost=1477235174][/doublepost]
it sounds like a legal pad and pencil is your best bet because all devices are built in similar locations and no one knows what is installed on their devices so it comes down to trust of the manufacturer. I can't imagine fear of bluetooth being a thing unless you are doing top secret design work, but if it is then I think Surface line is your only choice.

Lenovo and any Chikom maker especially with state ownership will have hardware and software spyware. Don't trust them. Bluetooth mouse and keyboard hack vulnerabilities are well known. Surface has Win 10. Is it good? What other option is there around the place?
 

Gav2k

macrumors G3
Jul 24, 2009
9,216
1,608
There are hundreds of articles and also probably many secret government reports on Lenovo. I won't be going into them here but I will say: what part of "spyware" on a BIOS/Hardware don't you understand? Installing Win 10 again won't help. Also Win 10 is a type of spyware but I'm more worried about Lenovo.
[doublepost=1477235174][/doublepost]

Lenovo and any Chikom maker especially with state ownership will have hardware and software spyware. Don't trust them. Bluetooth mouse and keyboard hack vulnerabilities are well known. Surface has Win 10. Is it good? What other option is there around the place?
As above purchase a notepad and a biro maybe a tinfoil hat.
 

AdaminOz

macrumors member
Original poster
Jul 10, 2014
62
4
Melbourne, Australia
As above purchase a notepad and a biro maybe a tinfoil hat.

Tinfoil hat

This

and

This

I don't know if you use these devices to browse Facebook, but some of us need them for serious work, and in internships with private and state organisations that value their data privacy from statist murderous regimes like the PRC. So could I ask that you leave the infantile remarks at the door and let us discuss this?
 

pika2000

Suspended
Jun 22, 2007
5,587
4,903
iPad Pro is an option, definitely.
If you don't want iOS, then a Surface pro is an option, albeit heavier.
As for non Chinese Surface Pro-copycats, there's HP Elite X2, Acer Switch Alpha 12, or Samsung's (like you mentioned).
If you already have a laptop, the iPad is Imo an excellent companion.
If you don't have a laptop yet, I would pick Surface Pro as it is owned by Microsoft for best Windows experience, and works as a laptop as well. Only go for the copycats if budget is an issue.
For wireless keyboards, get Microsoft ones that have AES feature. https://www.microsoft.com/accessories/en-us/aes-encryption.

I would avoid Android tablets at all cost (no security patches nor updates). Even Samsung doesn't care to update their high end expensive tablets. I have the flagship Galaxy Note 10.1 2014 for its pen/stylus feature, and it is not even updated to lollipop (released in 2014 as well).
 

Gav2k

macrumors G3
Jul 24, 2009
9,216
1,608
Tinfoil hat

This

and

This

I don't know if you use these devices to browse Facebook, but some of us need them for serious work, and in internships with private and state organisations that value their data privacy from statist murderous regimes like the PRC. So could I ask that you leave the infantile remarks at the door and let us discuss this?
1, I do not use facebook
2, maybe you should have listed every device you didn't want in your original post!
 
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tbayrgs

macrumors 604
Jul 5, 2009
7,467
5,097
I picked up a Samsung TabPro S to reacquaint myself with Windows after 8 years away and while I'm still not a fan of Windows, the hardware is pretty damn nice. The high res OLED display is beautiful, the tablet is quite thin and light and it comes with the detachable keyboard (there is a Pen but it must be purchased separately). The keyboard works in the same fashion as the Apple smart keyboard for the iPad Pro or Surface Type Cover via a smart connector, mounts via magnets, and unlike it's competitors, covers the back. And even then, the overall footprint is less than the iPP or Surface Pro. It only has a Core M CPU but I find it pretty snappy for everyday tasks and lend to some terrific battery life.

I'm not sure I'd pay full retail price and don't know what it's going for in Australia but I'd highly recommend it if you can find it second-hand for a discount (paid $575 for mine brand new here in the US). I'd probably love it if I could live with Windows. :p
 
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apolloa

Suspended
Oct 21, 2008
12,318
7,802
Time, because it rules EVERYTHING!
Hi Guys! I'm an architecture student in Melbourne, Australia and I want to buy a tablet with a keyboard and pen. I'd prefer a nice screen but it's not important because it's more important I have security. So I am thinking of a Chromebook with a tablet screen (one with a pen?) and a fixed keyboard OR the IPP with keyboard OR a Tablet S Pro from Samsung (you can use a pen?). What do you suggest? 10-12 inches is OK, but it's got to have a secure keyboard and I'd prefer no bluetooth because security is important. I want to be able to view plans but not to do any 3D CAD just to read documents, Kindle and view photos and perhaps draw in 2D. Thanks.

As I have the 9.7" IPP I would vouch for it, love the thing. Haven't touched my computer for ages but I'll still keep a computer. Still as a tablet it's pretty darn good :)
 
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AdaminOz

macrumors member
Original poster
Jul 10, 2014
62
4
Melbourne, Australia
1, I do not use facebook
2, maybe you should have listed every device you didn't want in your original post!

That's not a genuine reply at all. When you quit trolling maybe consider answering. Then again, don't.
[doublepost=1477486070][/doublepost]
As I have the 9.7" IPP I would vouch for it, love the thing. Haven't touched my computer for ages but I'll still keep a computer. Still as a tablet it's pretty darn good :)

IPP looks nice but is the magnet keyboard non bluetooth? I know tablets are better than Chromebooks. Any love for the Chromebooks with touchscreen out there?
[doublepost=1477486660][/doublepost]
I picked up a Samsung TabPro S to reacquaint myself with Windows after 8 years away and while I'm still not a fan of Windows, the hardware is pretty damn nice. The high res OLED display is beautiful, the tablet is quite thin and light and it comes with the detachable keyboard (there is a Pen but it must be purchased separately). The keyboard works in the same fashion as the Apple smart keyboard for the iPad Pro or Surface Type Cover via a smart connector, mounts via magnets, and unlike it's competitors, covers the back. And even then, the overall footprint is less than the iPP or Surface Pro. It only has a Core M CPU but I find it pretty snappy for everyday tasks and lend to some terrific battery life.

I'm not sure I'd pay full retail price and don't know what it's going for in Australia but I'd highly recommend it if you can find it second-hand for a discount (paid $575 for mine brand new here in the US). I'd probably love it if I could live with Windows. :p

But Windows 10. I was interested in the Surface but was told 1. updates a lot 2. freezes sometimes.

Maybe Chromebook is ok? ARM is weak but can it do the trick in 2016?
 

The-Real-Deal82

macrumors P6
Jan 17, 2013
17,317
25,467
Wales, United Kingdom
I won't be going into them here but I will say: what part of "spyware" on a BIOS/Hardware don't you understand?
Reading through this thread I have to say you don't appear to be very grateful for any of the responses you've received, in fact you've been quite argumentative. You evidently know enough about tablets to make your own decision.

Or buy an iPad Pro with a pen and try and enjoy yourself.
 
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pika2000

Suspended
Jun 22, 2007
5,587
4,903
But Windows 10. I was interested in the Surface but was told 1. updates a lot 2. freezes sometimes.

Maybe Chromebook is ok? ARM is weak but can it do the trick in 2016?
If you want a Windows tablet, the Surface is pretty much the best. It's not perfect, but at least it's from Microsoft so you are dealing with one layer of problem. For other OEMs, you are dealing with two, Microsoft (Windows) and the OEM itself for drivers, etc. Only opt for the alternatives if budget is an issue.

I don't think Chromebook is designed for pen use.
 

bufffilm

Suspended
May 3, 2011
4,227
2,536
Reading through this thread I have to say you don't appear to be very grateful for any of the responses you've received, in fact you've been quite argumentative. You evidently know enough about tablets to make your own decision.

Or buy an iPad Pro with a pen and try and enjoy yourself.

Gotta agree for the most part about the OP being argumentative.

I'd have some reservations with a Chromebook.

Maybe he's ruling out the iPad on account of the closed file system. It is, but some of that could be ameliorated. The TabPro is decent.
 

apolloa

Suspended
Oct 21, 2008
12,318
7,802
Time, because it rules EVERYTHING!
That's not a genuine reply at all. When you quit trolling maybe consider answering. Then again, don't.
[doublepost=1477486070][/doublepost]

IPP looks nice but is the magnet keyboard non bluetooth? I know tablets are better than Chromebooks. Any love for the Chromebooks with touchscreen out there?
[doublepost=1477486660][/doublepost]

But Windows 10. I was interested in the Surface but was told 1. updates a lot 2. freezes sometimes.

Maybe Chromebook is ok? ARM is weak but can it do the trick in 2016?

Not sure about the magnetic keyboard, but you can get ones from non Apple makes. I think Razer makes one which is nice.
The new Surface Book is nice but more expensive then the models you've been thinking off. Their are some nice ChromeBook designs out there though.
 

Tsepz

macrumors 601
Jan 24, 2013
4,888
4,698
Johannesburg, South Africa
When it comes to tablets I am all about iPads, the amount of tablet content out for them is much better than for Android Tablets.

IMO the iPad Pro 9.7 may suit you best, grab a LTE variant and enjoy. :)
 

admob71

Suspended
Feb 13, 2014
903
538
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND.
I would avoid Android tablets at all cost (no security patches nor updates). Even Samsung doesn't care to update their high end expensive tablets. I have the flagship Galaxy Note 10.1 2014 for its pen/stylus feature, and it is not even updated to lollipop (released in 2014 as well).

I love folk passing off their opinion as fact. I have a Galaxy Tab S, 2015 model, it's on marshmallow, and security patch is September 2016, it's fast, sleek and smooth, and would recommend it every day of the week..
 

bufffilm

Suspended
May 3, 2011
4,227
2,536
I love folk passing off their opinion as fact. I have a Galaxy Tab S, 2015 model, it's on marshmallow, and security patch is September 2016, it's fast, sleek and smooth, and would recommend it every day of the week..

Samsung's support varies...certainly the 2014 (and earlier) electronics haven't fared well.

I have the Tab Pro 8.4 tablet and it came w/Kitkat and support ended with Kitkat. Fortunately, I didn't spend too much on it, but it would have been nice if Samsung pushed out Lollipop to it.

That is fact.
 

admob71

Suspended
Feb 13, 2014
903
538
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND.
Samsung's support varies...certainly the 2014 (and earlier) electronics haven't fared well.

I have the Tab Pro 8.4 tablet and it came w/Kitkat and support ended with Kitkat. Fortunately, I didn't spend too much on it, but it would have been nice if Samsung pushed out Lollipop to it.

That is fact.
So you admit that you passed off your personal experiences as evidence accross the entire model range. That is fact!!
 
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