Tablet computers... what do you guys use/recommend?

[Opa Opa]

I've been thinking about getting a tablet for mostly web-browsing and whatever games seem fun (aren't there some bullet hell shmups on itunes now?). I'm kind of leaning towards an ipad/ipad mini, although the infamous "Apple brand" tax is certainly a turn off; but from what I can gather itunes is more developed than the android market...

What are your experiences/recommendations?

[Cronozilla]

The question is if you want an open environment or not. Android will undoubtedly have more game support rolling out. Apple isn't (or hasn't unveiled) any sort of game platform, but there are multiple android game platforms already. Android has a standardized controller and all that jazz as well.

It's largest weakness is the devices are so varied. Some developers just aren't bringing anything over at all ... but that is changing. Google is addressing games specifically and launching a game portal for Android, in general, for example. And the hardware is becoming more standardized. things like that.

Also, Google Play is not the only way to get android software. Since it is an open platform, there are other marketplaces as well as the ability to just download packages and install them.

If all you want is something where you can pay money and get a thing, then iPad works. But Android can behave the same way, and costs less. But it's the only option (besides Linux tablets) where you can get your stuff however you like and configure it and root the device and use a dual shock 3 to replace touch screen controls, etc.

If you want help choosing one ... just take a look at games for everything and see which ones seem interesting (most are not that great even if they look really polished, their depth is still non-existent) then see what devices they work on. With Android you want to make sure it's a device that the game will work on. It's not always a matter of hardware requirements, there can be software conflicts. I know a lot of games do not work with the Galaxy Note 2 Tablet, for example. And some of that is also just developers being a little lazy and not supporting all profiles they could, and as a result, various devices are deemed "incompatible" ... even though they are.

[Pulsar_t]

Cronozilla offers sound advice. Another advantage to Androids is that you can flash custom firmwares with relative ease. If you're willing to wait I'd suggest doing so since there's even a newer wave of chipsets that provide even better performance:

http://www.knowyourmobile.com/makes/qua ... d-detailed

Please stay away from Apple

[Hobie-wan]

I have a used for 20 minutes Nexus 7 for sale. *cough*

[CRTGAMER]

I've been thinking about getting a tablet for mostly web-browsing and whatever games seem fun (aren't there some bullet hell shmups on itunes now?).

As in game consoles, might be good to research what games are available for the different Operating Systems and see what appeals to you. Although most tablets should, confirm compatibility with whatever additional hardware you might use later such as Bluetooth Keyboards, Mouse and Controllers. There are also tablets that have a built in keyboard under the touch screen, might be easier then typing on a touch screen.

[Lone Wanderer]

I love my Nexus 7 but it really comes down to what you want to pay for. If you decide to go for a Nexus 7, I would wait since there is rumored to be a revision coming soon.

[noiseredux]

I might grab a tablet w/ this GS gift card I've got. The Kindle Fire is super super cheap on clearance right now. Like... I'd have $ leftover cheap. My wife loves her. It looks nice but I haven't played w/ it much.

I assume you can somehow access Google Play Store on a Kindle? Probably backdoor?

Is there a way to use a physical keyboard on a Kindle Fire? This model doesn't have Bluetooth.

There's a couple other tablets for a bit more that are enticing me though. I guess I'm just trying to figure out if additional features are things I'd use, or just cool sounding features.

[Cronozilla]

I would say, BlueTooth is somewhat essential, especially if you ever want to use a controller on it.

There are some protocols out there if it has USB for using a 360 pad, but what an awkward setup.

[noiseredux]

I would say, BlueTooth is somewhat essential, especially if you ever want to use a controller on it.

There are some protocols out there if it has USB for using a 360 pad, but what an awkward setup.

I should have noted that my interest in playing games on a tablet is really, really minimal. Close to non-existent. Though I've been a total convert (obsessive) of Android phones for the past few years, I've played um... Angry Birds, Words With Friends and Draw Something for a combined total of like 40 mins. Maybe.

Tablet-wise, I'm basically looking for something to use to read a few sites/blogs, post here and maybe once in a while stream Youtube or Netflix when I'm in bed or at the kitchen table or in the basement or back yard or something rather than hanging out in my game room.

It could also come in handy for things like checking out a map for a game I'm playing without switching screens or something y'know?

[MrPopo]

There's also the option to get a Surface Pro, so you get the tablet but with the ability to run all your desktop apps. It's definitely pricy, but if you don't already have a laptop then it'd be worthwhile.