Ok, the truth is, I never really wanted an Ipad and I refuse to [go to the dark side and] get an Iphone. However, I recently enrolled into a Master's Program and was thinking I might need to ditch the ol' laptop and get a tablet.

I've been with Verizon since I got my first cell and really like their coverage. I've had pretty good luck with customer service needs at Verizon and even though Verizon now offers an Iphone, I still do not feel compelled to get one. I'm using the android Bionic. I was at the Verizon store yesterday and saw the android tablet and asked a few questions about it. It looks like it has a few feature that even the Ipad doesn't yet have, and I could get one for about $550. It would have a 2 gb data plan that would also cost me about $40/ month. That's $30 base, plus whatever taxes and fees that we can't seem to avoid, regardless of the company.

2gb doesn't seem like that much, but when you consider that I'd be using my wireless network at home and wi-fi hot spots at most other locations, 2GB seems like it would be plenty. I'm not a gamer, so that's not really an issue, but I might need to be internet ready if I was out camping or something and no wi-fi was available.

The tablet would be good for carrying into class for notes and such, and seems as easy to use as a laptop.

I'm not really looking at a comparison between the android and the Ipad- either are available at Verizon. I simply want to know what other information I should be looking at when considering this purchase. Is there another method for getting online that wouldn't require a contract, i.e., a wireless hotspot, using my android bionic as a hotspot, etc, and what costs would be associated with these other methods?

OK. Bring it on, FTE Brotherhood!! Watcha got??

 

If your school has WI=FI then you do not need the cellular network and pay a monthly fee..

Another thing to think about is the IPAD or ANDROID tablets do not come with a Microsoft Office type package for letter writing or spreadsheets.. I have looked for apps for my IPAD that does that, but haven't found anything good..

Also you can't print from an IPAD unless you have a printer that is capable.. HP Designates them as an E-Printer..

I would stay with a laptop.. It is much more versatile for what your looking for..

Does your course require any software?? If it does you can't install it on an IPAD or ANDROID..

 

Good questions. I don't think there are any software requirements for the school, though some schools make you buy their computer and put their software on it. Strayer doesn't do that. You just have to have the ability to log in from home and it only requires windows 98 or later. I did ask the sales rep (I know, a sales rep is trying to sell me something, so everything is taken with a grain of salt) about using it for school and I guess the android tablet has an app available for downloading MS Office. I'd need to look at that a little closer. I think there's a scan feature, or maybe it's done through a mouse and it also has flash (flash player?) capability.

Unfortunately, I am more practical minded when it comes to buying new technology. I never thought I needed an Ipad or tablet, so I don't have any idea what they're capable of. I also get turned off by the need for updating my stuff so often. The people that get the newest and greatest gadget every year make me laugh. If I get a tablet, I'm also looking for several year's use from it before upgrading.