I've been considering getting a Tablet...

[Jasper]

That's something I've wanted for a while, but since I have devices that cover those needs, I haven't got it yet.  Maybe eventually, when my current stuff starts to break down.

[Telarus]

eBooks are a big consideration. Most of my school texts can be found cheaper via eBook, and I have hordes of sci-fi and fantasy classics that I just can't stand to read on a screen for long amounts of time (and that my girl won't even attempt to read on-screen).

I'm still mulling options and reading tablet pc forums.

[East Coast Hustle]

If you don't mind waiting on an indefinite launch date: https://www.alwaysinnovating.com/store/home.php

If you're looking for a good cheap alternative to the iPad (disclaimer: I hate Apple products with a passion, so my opinion about the iPad is very un-objective) you can get all kinds of android-based tablets from Hong Kong on eBay for pretty cheap. 7" tablets tend to run a little over $100 and 10" tablets run around $250.

[Requia ☣]

They launched, I already pushed the touchbook II.  They do still have the uncertain ship date though.

[Richter]

BUMP:

Due to a influx of Xmas giftcards I'm pondering one of these:  www.amazon.com/POCKET-EDGE-7-0-Black-Dualbook/dp/B0040L5Z3M/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1293558510&sr=8-1

Basically: $350-ish.  Clamshells open and has 2 screens.  A LCD (resistive), and an e-ink screen.  Runs Android.

What I like:
-Operation reported to be quick and snappy.
-You can swap around the files to USB (it has the ports) or MicroSD pretty easily to load music / docments / images
-Less power consumption for jsut reading on the e-ink side.  Useability has been compared favorably with Kindle.
-capale enough internet on the LCd tablet side.
-No exposed screen, it all folds shut.
-comes pre-loaded with .doc compatible word processing software
-7 inch screen, which fits my preferred size-range.
-read reports of a fairly active user - run support base, which has saved my ass with other devices.
- Touch screen is resistive (odd, I know, but stylus as quick text entry is more proven on resistive.)

What I find uncertain:
-1 minute boot time, and no mention of a sleep or standby feature.  More hardware, sure, but odd for an android device.
-Runs the outdated 1.6 version of android.  (Update "planned")
-Has Bluetooth, but will not play w/ bluetooth keyboards.  (Sure I can use USB, and may be added later.  Odd it wasn't a stock thing though.)
-WiFi, but No 3G.  (Again, may be possible via USB modem.  My own verdidct on 3G / 4G devices is still out. )
- Will it WOMP?  (Yeah, image manip. on a minidevice is asking a lot, I know.)
- E-ink screen is 6 inches, and universal re-formating is not promised.   Zooming / panning / changing orientation around may be necessary for viewing "Liberated" materials on PDF


Opions please!

[Kai]

Looks cool. My brother just purchased one of those tablets, but this is more like a netbook with a second screen rather than a keyboard.

[Triple Zero]

Sounds like a pretty sweet device. I might actually look into that, cause a dual regular/eInk screen sounds pretty awesome.

Also isn't Android OS somewhere deep down a Linux at its core? Wouldn't that mean you can easily update it, add better bluetooth support (if it's got bluetooth, sounds like it's an OS reason for not accepting keyboards), and all such?

Any Android using spags care to enlighten me/us?

[Richter]

Good question.  Despite years playing with one, my Linux-fu is not strong.  I get the impression it's more open / customizable than the iOS equivalent.  The version of Android it comes with doesn't allow you to pull down apps with an "App store" feature like more current Android / iOS thingies do, but I've heard of workaround installs from a regular computer. 

Looks cool. My brother just purchased one of those tablets, but this is more like a netbook with a second screen rather than a keyboard.

Which tablet did he get, and how is he liking it?  I've known a few people with them, and they really enjoy how they work, but I'm interested to see where they default back to a "Full" computer, and where they find they can work with jsut the tablet.

My "Total computer porn" ideas are  either an app that would turn the e-ink screen into keyboard, or support for an apple bluetooth keyboard.   

[Kai]

Good question.  Despite years playing with one, my Linux-fu is not strong.  I get the impression it's more open / customizable than the iOS equivalent.  The version of Android it comes with doesn't allow you to pull down apps with an "App store" feature like more current Android / iOS thingies do, but I've heard of workaround installs from a regular computer. 

Looks cool. My brother just purchased one of those tablets, but this is more like a netbook with a second screen rather than a keyboard.

Which tablet did he get, and how is he liking it?  I've known a few people with them, and they really enjoy how they work, but I'm interested to see where they default back to a "Full" computer, and where they find they can work with jsut the tablet.

My "Total computer porn" ideas are  either an app that would turn the e-ink screen into keyboard, or support for an apple bluetooth keyboard.   

He got a Huawei Ideos. He uses it about equally to his laptop.

[the last yatto]

Android needs to be rooted to install other shells, samsuck tab has a boot menu and touch screen where as the other droid tablets I've tried required a stylist, tmobile has the tab and let's you make installments

[Triple Zero]

What do you mean by "rooted" exactly? You always need to be root to do administrative stuff on a Linux environment.

[bds]

That's the process it refers to ~ rooting basically means being able to get privileged access on the device. It's akin to jailbreaking an iPhone.

[Triple Zero]

But I thought that the Android OS doesn't purposefully hide that feature, like Apple does?

It's just a software thing, right? And I was getting the impression not nearly so shrouded in mystery and disinformation junk as, say, SIM-unlocking phones?

[dunno if you ever googled that, the basic process of SIM unlocking is incredibly easy, but the forums explaining it are filled with fake codes, incorrect information and a 1:50 signal to noise ratio of people asking for "codez" vs discussing them--plus I guess it's in the interest of those semi-shady SIM-unlock mobile phone shops to keep the "codez" from the general public]

[the last yatto]

Its akin to ubuntu, where you never really login as root

So samsuck having a boot menu is a step up
only if you don't count that's how they expect everyone to update it.
Manually themselfs

[Richter]

Most of the issues with the GalaxyTab Have been provider specific, AFAIK.  The Verizon verison has been unable to use bluetooth peripherals, for example.  It's decent looking, but the price for the functionality isn't tickling me.