Goodbye iPad, I moved to a Galaxy Tab

[ecrispy]

Have had my iPad Retina for a while, and I'm switching to a Samsung Galaxy Tab 12.2. I bought one for $375 (its refurb but you can't tell) which is much cheaper than iPad, and more importantly its a much better device in every area. For my needs.

I'd like to say I still have and use my MBP 15", and I have Android devices too, so I'm fairly company agnostic and will choose the best value. The iPad simply isn't it once I found about the 12.2 Tab Pro.

- its bigger but manageable, no problem. The bigger screen makes a huge difference. Screen is better, sound is better
- running 2 apps side by side is a huge productivity booster and gets used all the time. iOS simply can't do it because of unitasking model.
- I got a BT keyboard + case for $35, a 64GB sdcard for $30, a 64GB usb 3.0 drive for $25. I now have 160GB of storage and a full laptop replacement for a fraction of the cost it would cost in the Apple ecosystem, if it were even possible.
- there are a few apps I'll miss, but honestly almost everything is in both app stores
- Android is a much better OS for power users. Things like Intents, totally open apps, choosing defaults, all these make a difference
- no wifi ac in iPad, Samsung has it
- so many perks (free office suite, 2 years of Dropbox)

I'd keep the iPad but can't afford to keep both. I will say the way Apple devices hold their resale value is a big plus.

 

[rdowty]

Why did you switch right before a new iPad was announced? Probably half of your concerns will be addressed in a month or two.

 

[0928001]

If it is a full laptop replacement, you shouldn't need your MBP anymore. You get the perks because Samsung needs something extra to sell their devices with, but it's built into the cost anyways. Plus, do you actually use 802.11ac?

 

[ecrispy]

If it is a full laptop replacement, you shouldn't need your MBP anymore. You get the perks because Samsung needs something extra to sell their devices with, but it's built into the cost anyways. Plus, do you actually use 802.11ac?

So you're saying I should ignore the fact that the Samsung tablet has much better specs, comes with more stuff should be ignored? Who cares why they offer perks? That's like saying because Apple drops the price of older iPads, they aren't worth considering.

And of course ac is better, why would you even question that? You didn't name a single advantage of the iPad, instead you attack me.

----------

Why did you switch right before a new iPad was announced? Probably half of your concerns will be addressed in a month or two.

Irrelevant. If, and its a big if, a 12" iPad is announced, it will cost a lot more, won't have expandable storage, and will suffer from all the deficencies I explained in my post. So please explain exactly how it addresses any of my concerns?

 

[0928001]

So you're saying I should ignore the fact that the Samsung tablet has much better specs, comes with more stuff should be ignored? Who cares why they offer perks? That's like saying because Apple drops the price of older iPads, they aren't worth considering.

And of course ac is better, why would you even question that? You didn't name a single advantage of the iPad, instead you attack me.

I attacked you? Really?

I know 802.11ac is better than 802.11n, I asked you if you actually use the capabilities of 802.11ac. If your home/workplace is full of 802.11g/n equipment, then 802.11ac is a worthless gimmick, other than the fact that it draws slightly less power. Read the question again, I have a feeling you just glanced over my post and got your feathers ruffled for no reason.

 

[norrismantooth]

Can we move on to how you're going to be leaving the Mac Rumors community soon because you've ditched the only Apple product you own? We can do without the Apple bashing.

 

[ecrispy]

I attacked you? Really?

I know 802.11ac is better than 802.11n, I asked you if you actually use the capabilities of 802.11ac. If your home/workplace is full of 802.11g/n equipment, then 802.11ac is a worthless gimmick, other than the fact that it draws slightly less power. Read the question again, I have a feeling you just glanced over my post and got your feathers ruffled for no reason.

Sorry, didn't mean to come across that way. I was really objecting to your 'sell your MPB' line since I'm sure you also realize a tablet replacement for laptop will never compete with a worskatation. If I had a MBA then perhaps.

I do have a AC router, and they will become much more commonplace in the next 2-3 years. You don't buy electronics hardware with no future compatibility. Apple is well known for introducing features years later, and I'm pretty sure the next (or one after that) iPad model will have AC. I have no idea why you would call it a worthless gimmick.

----------

Can we move on to how you're going to be leaving the Mac Rumors community soon because you've ditched the only Apple product you own? We can do without the Apple bashing.

Objective criticism != bashing. Unless saying anything bad about Apple is called bashing which I hope this place isn't about. So far it seems like a balanced community.

And I'm typing this from my MBP which you would've seen I still have from my post.

 

[rhinosrcool]

A friend has the Galaxy Note Pro 12.2 and she loves it. Like you, she also ditched her iPad. From my experiences with the 12.2, it is a real nice tablet. The only issue may be the size. Even though I like the size, she says sometimes it's a bit large taking it to the coffee shop.

I am interested in the new iPads. I really like the addition of another gb of ram. We'll see...

 

[burgman]

Sorry, didn't mean to come across that way. I was really objecting to your 'sell your MPB' line since I'm sure you also realize a tablet replacement for laptop will never compete with a worskatation. If I had a MBA then perhaps.

I do have a AC router, and they will become much more commonplace in the next 2-3 years. You don't buy electronics hardware with no future compatibility. Apple is well known for introducing features years later, and I'm pretty sure the next (or one after that) iPad model will have AC. I have no idea why you would call it a worthless gimmick.

----------



Objective criticism != bashing. Unless saying anything bad about Apple is called bashing which I hope this place isn't about. So far it seems like a balanced community.

And I'm typing this from my MBP which you would've seen I still have from my post.

ac wireless with DSL is like owning a 500 horsepower car in a 30MPH city. Now if one has a fast server then it still makes no sense really. Fiber DSL then ok.I looked at the 12 inch note, one that has my interest is the 10.5 Titanium Bronze tab s at best buy with matching keyboard.

 

[sinclac57]

I've had one for 6 months and love, tried to switch to ipad and just couldn't do it.

 

[mrex]

Why did you switch right before a new iPad was announced? Probably half of your concerns will be addressed in a month or two.

Somehow i still believe that you cannot run apps side by side with new iPad. The advantage with Galaxy comes from here. When i had my iPad Air, i felt it was difficult to write from articles when you need to jump between the apps. With my Note I can keep them both open (or use floating windows), and sometimes when Im writing some code, I have three windows open. With newest Galaxy and Android, only two is possible... but better than one.

I sold my iPad Air a month ago, just before discount to get the best price Im waiting to see the specs for iPad Air2 and considering then to get it back. If it hasnt more memory, then it is big no-no. I had enought problem with "low memory warnigns". Im abit afraid that Air two might just be a facelift, and only has a new feature like finger print scanner or so... But im hoping to see it with more RAM. However, you also need to understand that if they add more memory, they admit that Air was designed badly and Appstore will have apps only compatible with Air 2 in the future. This is a dilemma for Apple. Air1 is still new and it wouldnt look good if it is going to "drop out" after a year...

I also prefer Note over Tab because of Wacom digitizer technology. BT pen was horrible experience with Air after using a year SPen. The productivity with Galaxy line, Tab or Pro, is far ahead than with iPad. I feel, personaly, that the technology train left Apple behind others... i have been hoping to see a digitizer in iPad but it is only dreaming...

 

[The Game 161]

I have the note 12.2 and I love mine. Truely amazing device and the size I want for a tablet. I don't see the point in having a 8 inch and something only a few inches bigger as the next tablet to use. I think bigger tablets are the way forward.

 

[maflynn]

I have to disagree with the notion that android is for power users. I have plenty of apps, along with MS Office that allow me to do a lot with my iPad.

 

[S.B.G]

I received a Galaxy Tab 3 as a promotional item from Sprint a few weeks ago at work. I want to be able to embrace new things in technology and am open -minded about other, non-Apple stuff, but I just couldn't get used to Android.

For instance there was an app on the screen, I forget now what it was, and when I tapped on it, a message came up saying that it wasn't installed! What the heck?

Then I was in another app and needed to set up a Google account so I started doing that, and had to enter a security question and answer. When put the answer in, there were two fields to fill in for verification and when I tapped next, it threw an error saying that I typed an invalid email! It wasn't supposed to be an email address!

Those were just a couple of things I experienced with it and I've put it down and kept using my iPad Mini.

 

[Klyster]

Must have both been pre-installed apps if you had no Google account, unless you side loaded them, otherwise, how would you have the app in the first place?
If that were the case, the "not installed " message, might have been a partial component like a codec or the like, and you'd need a Google account to use Google play, which Samsung products make you do or skip when they are run the first time.

So more user error than an android issue imo.
Sorry in advance if I've got it all messed up.

 

[S.B.G]

It was pre-installed. I hadn't loaded a single thing onto it even to this day.

 

[Shanghaichica]

It was pre-installed. I hadn't loaded a single thing onto it even to this day.

Was it a new device? Did you set it up as new?
Usually you create a Google account during the set up process if you don't have one already.

The only time I've ever seen the issue you describe is if an app has been installed on the SD card and the SD card has been removed. Could that be what has happened here?

 

[Jack snakeskin]

The only tablet better than ipad at the moment is the galaxy tab s 8.4
In a couple of months there will more tablets better than ipad air 2

 

[S.B.G]

Was it a new device? Did you set it up as new?
Usually you create a Google account during the set up process if you don't have one already.

The only time I've ever seen the issue you describe is if an app has been installed on the SD card and the SD card has been removed. Could that be what has happened here?

It's quite possible. The box was open and it did appear to have been used before I received it. It was, as mentioned, a promotional product we received as part of our contract with Sprint.

 

[TechGod]

I hate touch wiz so I wouldn't be able to switch from my perfectly clean iPad to an atrocity such as touchwiz. YMMV.

 

[Shuri]

Have had my iPad Retina for a while, and I'm switching to a Samsung Galaxy Tab 12.2. I bought one for $375 (its refurb but you can't tell) which is much cheaper than iPad, and more importantly its a much better device in every area. For my needs.

I'd like to say I still have and use my MBP 15", and I have Android devices too, so I'm fairly company agnostic and will choose the best value. The iPad simply isn't it once I found about the 12.2 Tab Pro.

- its bigger but manageable, no problem. The bigger screen makes a huge difference. Screen is better, sound is better
- running 2 apps side by side is a huge productivity booster and gets used all the time. iOS simply can't do it because of unitasking model.
- I got a BT keyboard + case for $35, a 64GB sdcard for $30, a 64GB usb 3.0 drive for $25. I now have 160GB of storage and a full laptop replacement for a fraction of the cost it would cost in the Apple ecosystem, if it were even possible.
- there are a few apps I'll miss, but honestly almost everything is in both app stores
- Android is a much better OS for power users. Things like Intents, totally open apps, choosing defaults, all these make a difference
- no wifi ac in iPad, Samsung has it
- so many perks (free office suite, 2 years of Dropbox)

I'd keep the iPad but can't afford to keep both. I will say the way Apple devices hold their resale value is a big plus.

What are the tasks which you consider power user tasks or productivity tasks?

I'm asking because as I'm housesitting for my parents, so I can use an iPad Air along to my iPhone and macbook. I love to use it for consumption and I think with the right apps I could do some productivity tasks. But what I'm actually looking for is a device I could take as a laptop replacement when I don't want to carry all the weight (15" MBP.. 3 years old but still works like a charm so I don't want to give it up yet )..

Something like a Surface Pro would be right for this I guess, but after so many years of Windows nightmare I don't feel like returning so soon.. So how much more does android offer in terms of productivity?

 

[cube]

The Tab 12.2 showed up NEW for $440 in Europe, and I could not wait anymore to replace my iPad 1 for a 12" with any browser constantly crashing.

Although what I really wanted was the 12.2 Note.

I had to buy the QWERTY Logitech Pro from the US.

 

[mrex]

It was pre-installed. I hadn't loaded a single thing onto it even to this day.

I would do a factory reset and set it up as a new device.

 

[Shanghaichica]

The Tab 12.2 showed up NEW for $440 in Europe, and I could not wait anymore to replace my iPad 1 for a 12" with any browser constantly crashing.

Although what I really wanted was the 12.2 Note.

I had to buy the QWERTY Logitech Pro from the US.

The 12.2 has the S-pen. It's called the note pro ☺

 

[cube]

I know that, but there was no special deal.