[klickitat jim]

I'm considering getting a tablet but I don't know anything. Currently my phone is a galaxy droid and it's my only phone and computer (so to speak) . What I'd like is just a much larger version of what I've got. Do android tablets work like a smart phone? Or only off a WiFi connection? My usage on the tablet would be mostly web based like brewers friend, browsing, YouTube etc. Showing photos on occasion. I've heard they can be linked to a tv, that would be cool on occasion.

Suggestions?

[majorvices]

I have an iPad and I like it well, though I have been going back to my laptop much more lately. You can get them wifi or pay for a service plan for 3G/4G.

[klickitat jim]

Do all tablets work off 3G if you pay for service?

[BrewingRover]

Do all tablets work off 3G if you pay for service?

You pay extra for a tablet that's got 3G. The basic models are wifi only.

[jeffy]

I have an ipad 2 with wifi only.  I find that I use it more than the pc or laptop at home and it's much easier to take to a coffee shop or wherever.  It's great for email and internet, but I rarely use it for documents.  I have a couple of book reading aps on it, but I usually prefer to read an actual book.  The camera isn't very good if that's important, but I think the newer models have improved that.

[dave.kline]

Many tablets are wifi only, but you can get most models with 3g/4g connectivity.  You have to pay to have them added to your wireless plan, though.  If you're interested in using your phone carrier's network, you may wish to explore their offerings to be sure there will be no compatibility issues. 

As far as usability is concerned, yes, an Android tablet works just like a phone.  You just wouldn't make a phone call with it.  There are lots of Android tablet options.  A number of manufacturers add their own customizations to Android (Samsung is one of them) so if you're comfortable with your Galaxy phone, you may want to consider a Samsung tablet.  If you're looking for something different, visit a store and get your hands on a bunch of models to see what you like best.

[yso191]

And I'm going to guess that you will want the same info/organization on both of them, so unless you are also changing your phone, I'd say get a tablet that is the same OS as your phone.

I love my iPad, but I have an iPhone.  I think it would be frustrating to not be able to sync / back them up to each other.

[denny]

I have an ipad 2 with wifi only.  I find that I use it more than the pc or laptop at home and it's much easier to take to a coffee shop or wherever.  It's great for email and internet, but I rarely use it for documents.  I have a couple of book reading aps on it, but I usually prefer to read an actual book.  The camera isn't very good if that's important, but I think the newer models have improved that.

+ 1.060

[erockrph]

My wife and I have both had Android phones since the original Motorola Droid. We won a Nexus 7 tablet a year ago, which makes life real simple since it runs Android. We still have a PC, and I don't think Android is 100% ready to replace a "real" PC yet. But if you're looking for all the features in your Android phone, just in a larger form factor, then an Android tablet is the way to go. It's real easy to bring all your apps and data over from one Android device to another.

For connectivity, WiFi is just about everywhere nowadays. You can also tether to your smartphone if your provider allows it. The biggest downfalls that keep me from using Android as a PC replacement are poor compatability with both Flash and printers. I suppose if you had a compatible printer then Cloud Print would be acceptable. There are also flash-emulating browsers out there, but nothing that works as well as a true Flash-enabled browser on a PC.

[klickitat jim]

Thanks for all the tips guys. I really appreciate it

[euge]

It sounds like you want a "phablet". This will be my next phone form factor come October when my contract is up. I think 2014 the year to make the leap.

Totally ridiculous that I'd have a 2 laptops, a tablet and a phone. I've already wiped my acer tablet and threw it in the corner and no plans to use it or any other tablet again. My thoughts are they were a nice bridge device but once the phablets take hold in the next couple years you'll see tablets falling by the wayside.

[klickitat jim]

I believe that's what I'm getting. Its a Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 10", with 4G and a phone number. Later I'll add a keyboard, and printer.

[a10t2]

What's a printer?

[klickitat jim]

It's a thing that spits out those deals you rubber band to your beer bottles

[james]

I've got a 7" Hisense tablet that I use for a lot of stuff.  Great for reading books, email, web.  Hard to beat a desktop for "working" on