So my TF101 decided to have the cord die on me. Instead of bothering to buy a (fucking proprietary) cord for $20 I feel like I'd rather just sell the fucker and get something that doesn't currently run like crap and/or on ICS android (granted I know this has to do with my setup likely but I'd rather get something that I know is just silk smooth).
So I need suggestions on a tablet/ultrabook. My only problem with ultrabooks: they tend to cost too much money (I'm not looking to get a full laptop, but what is basically a decent small PC thing).
The Surface Pro 2 looks really, really enticing because its basically exactly what I want - good form factor, power, keyboard, flexibility, etc. I'm assuming the battery life is decent too. The only thing that sucks about that is the cost is astronomical and I might as well just get a ultrabook at the price it costs to get the surface pro 2 plus etc. And while the Surface RT's are right up my alley in look, design, keyboard functionality, etc its just not worth dealing with the fact that nobody cares or has anything for Surface RT as far as I can tell app/program/whatever wise.
I don't know whats going on anymore in the android tablet space and honestly I'm not too keen on it. I know they probably are much better running than the TF101 is, but keyboard support is likely as hacked in as ever and if I'm honestly paying $$$ for a tablet/netbook/whatever then I might as well get something that doesn't make me feel like I'm using a crappy version of chrome or office or etc.
And as far as netbooks go, I honestly forgot about them - there are probably plenty of awesome ones that came out recently in the past few years that I don't know about anymore. What kinds of things are good out there for netbooks these days?
Ideally though I want something that:
1. Has a keyboard that I can attach in some way (I love using tablets as tablets but I need to be able to use it as a "laptop" too)
2. Has as small and nice of a form factor as possible
3. Good battery life is a must
4. Ability to do at least basic computing stuff like word processing, interenet, etc.
5. Ideally being able to run advanced or more involved programs would be cool too, but not required (especially since I likely can't do this without shelling out over $1k).
15.6" laptops are probably what you're looking for then. Not a fan of the "netbooks" as they're something like 12" or smaller and I find that too small. I have a little Acer that runs decently for me. Got it for about $300 refurbished.
See, here's the problem with this: "I'm not looking to get a full laptop, but what is basically a decent small PC thing"
That's basically what laptops are. Especially ultrabooks. 13.3 is a great size for portability and weight, and if you shop around you can get a good ultrabook for under $500.
The battery life probably won't be as good as a tablet at that price range, but tablets are kind of a different hybrid.
Have you heard about the new Dell Venue tablets? They run a Bay Trail Atom processor and the 11 inch Pro version has a detachable keyboard.
They're pretty damn pricey, but they run full Windows, and the Venue 11 Pro is only $50 more than the Surface 2 and I believe it even comes with stylus functionality - making it overall a much more enticing buy than the Pro 2 at a much more enticing price point, ~$500.
You're right about RT - it's dead on arrival, and these new Venue tablets are the nail in the coffin. There are 7 and 8 inch variants that both run Windows 8.1 x64, and there are Android equivalents of the 7 and 8 inch variants.
Thanks for those suggestions I'll look some up.
I'm totally fine with even 11" as thats basically what my TF101 is and its perfect for me. I don't want something laptop big is the thing. It just doesn't look like there's been any decent netbooks out recently and every ultrabook I can find is around the $1k+ price range. I also still like the idea of using a tablet, but the keyboard part is still essential.
Yeah nobody's really dealing with netbooks anymore since ultrabooks fit the niche now. [URL="http://slickdeals.net/deals/computers/"]Slickdeals is your friend when buying expensive things[/URL]. Keep an eye on that if the Venue tablets don't scratch that itch (oh and I have no idea when they're coming out, they just announced them recently.)
Wow the venue tablets look pretty much perfect and not too much money either
Only problem is that it means I still got a dead transformer with a broken charger for a few months until it comes out in nov.
I guess I'll just pick the charger up and wait till nov!
[editline]4th October 2013[/editline]
Okay well this looks kind of sweet too and a bit better spec than those venue tablets: [url]http://www.microsoftstore.com/store/msusa/en_US/pdp/VIZIO-14-Inch-Thin-+-Light-Touch-CT14T-B0/productID.277784300?ClickID=anwroalvpvzooslrota0zpa5vky5kkk0tllr[/url]
Not a tablet but I love the form factor (and price)
I hear good things about that Vizio. Full metal construction - beats my half metal, half plastic Acer, but I also got my Acer for $120, so... :v:
Welp went ahead and got the Vizio, the price point was just too good for what its got and it pretty much fits mostly what I need. Only thing that worries me is battery life but I'm sure I can squeeze a decent amount out. Still won't be close to the 14 hours I got out of my TF101 :v: not that I ever needed that much too often.
Don't think I'll miss out on not having a tablet ever since I got a decent smartphone. A tablet hybrid is pretty cool n all but this will be more useful to me in the long run. Plus I love the idea of me being able to mod/design/etc on the go.
[editline]4th October 2013[/editline]
Also probably won't ever need to actually drag my main gaming PC around to lan parties now either :v: bonus
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