Tablet vs. Laptop

I am considering purchasing a tablet. But am very confused and have lots of questions. First. Do I have to have a cell phone contract service in order to use my tablet? Will my home internet service (I have a wireless router) work to access the internet on my tablet? Are "hot spots" powered by cell towers or wi-fi? Again prompting the question of needing a cell phone service to access the web from any location? I have a pay as you go cell phone and can't have a cell phone contract service from any provider without paying an astronomical deposit.

hbarberra wrote:
I am considering purchasing a tablet. But am very confused and have lots of questions. First. Do I have to have a cell phone contract service in order to use my tablet? Will my home internet service (I have a wireless router) work to access the internet on my tablet? Are "hot spots" powered by cell towers or wi-fi? Again prompting the question of needing a cell phone service to access the web from any location? I have a pay as you go cell phone and can't have a cell phone contract service from any provider without paying an astronomical deposit.
Many tablets (basically almost any not sold by a wireless carrier) are wifi-only - these will work on your home wifi, or wifi hotspots around town (like at Panera, McDonalds, etc.)
Some tablets have an additional 3G or 4G radio, allowing them to receive wireless data anywhere, but this service costs money.
*disclaimer* I am not now, nor have I ever been, an employee of Best Buy, Geek Squad, nor of any of their affiliate, parent, or subsidiary companies.

Similar Messages

WHAT IS YOUR IDEAL CELL PHONE AND TABLET/ULTRABOOK/LAPTOP COMBO?

I’d like to see what everyone here thinks is the best CELL PHONE and TABLET/ULTRABOOK/LAPTOP combination to own this year now that the CES show is coming to a close. So post up what you think is the ideal combination from what has been announced. Maybe, just maybe, Best Buy will listen and insure they carry the products we want.
My vote goes to:
PHONE = Samsung Galaxy Note LTE (unlocked - carrier independent)
TABLET/ULTRABOOK/LAPTOP = Lenovo Ideapad Yoga 13 with Windows 8 and its’ IPS touch screen
(Posted this in the Cell Phone AND Tablet forums)

Blackberry 9810
efficient keyboard for quick access to functions. How many other phones have 26 quick keys to dial a number?
convenient one handed operation on the bus because it has a trackpad
great battery life with the slower processor
user replaceable battery. You can change a battery for the cost of a good dinner. Other phones have sealed batteries that force you to get a hair dry to rip the battery out. Basically they force you to get a new phone....SCAM
durability..... seen too many cracked Apple screens. Takes a lot of punishment without needing a THICK "bumper"
brightness.... notice how dim iPhone screens are on bus compared to other phones?
data compression.... doesn't rack up my data plan. Doesn't have Siri. Blackberry uses 1/3 or 1/6 the data compared to other phones. Very important, especially when travelling
BBM saves me money when texting with other international BBM users.
the 9810 sliding mechanism means the phone is compact when not used, but grows in size when needed
the 9810 keyboard does not shrink my viewing area when I'm typing
Blackberry Playbook
plays flash websites.... i got tired of Apple forcing websites to create an App to work (scam)
fits in my purse and pocket
dual speakers without a dock..... it's amazing the audio quality
stereo microphones
smart bezel where the frame is an added touchpad functionality
With the upcoming OS update next month, Blackberries can take remote control of the Playbook tablet.... HOT as the phone keyboard can be used as Playbook tablet keyboard and phone screen become a mouse!

Can I run Adobe CC on a convertible tablet and laptop?

I am thinking of buying the 'HP Envy x2 ' convertible tablet and laptop. The processor is Intel Core M, 4 GB Ram, and 500 GB hard drive. I want to make animations in after effects, use photoshop and illustrator and play the films I make on the 15.6" touch screen at exhibitions.
Any advice welcome!

it needs a full os, System requirements | Creative Cloud

Tablet or laptop?

I’m thinking of purchasing a new tablet, or laptop-if it fits the bill. I love the portability that tablets offer and I’ve pretty much narrowed it down to two: 32 GB Asus Transformer TF700T-B1-CG (SKU: 5716414), or the 16GB iPad w/Retina Display. Total cost-I don’t want to spend over $700.
I really like both of these, and have tested them out as well. The iPad’s beautiful display comes with a cost, no expandable memory options, but an unrivaled App Store with a plethora of options in any category to choose from. I’m not a fan of typing on glass, so I would certainly be purchasing a cover, and/or keyboard as well.
The 32 GB Asus Transformer comes with a microSD slot for more memory. Couple that with the optional keyboard that also has a microSD slot, meaning that I could store/use plenty of media. Additionally, it has the cloud for additional free storage. It has a pretty nice HD display (1920x1200), but doesn’t come close to the iPad which has an insane 2048x1536!
It’s a tough decision because these two powerhouses seem to be the cream of the crop for tablets. How will I be using it? For the most part, it will be primarily used for entertainment: movies, apps/games, music, web browsing, emailing, and sometimes for Office Use.
This concludes my review, so what are your thoughts? I know that there are some laptops out there that can turn into tablets, like the HP Envy series. What would you choose? Are there any other criteria that I’m missing to include, or are there other tablets that I may want to check out? What about laptops? Are there some out there to consider as well?
Justin|Community Connector | Best Buy® Corporate
Private Message

Hi xberx,
Thanks for your input! I was actually at the store again yesterday and really looked at various netbooks/laptops for the specified price range. However, I couldn't bring myself to think that's a viable option, as I found myself circling the tablets no matter how hard I tried not to. That being said, I made the plunge and bought myself the Asus Transformer Infinity tablet w/Mobile Dock. I love it! For the price, in my opinion, it's a steal and I'm sure I will continue to enjoy it as time goes on.
Justin|Community Connector | Best Buy® Corporate
Private Message

SYNC PHOTOS FROM BLACKBERRY TABLET TO LAPTOP

Hi Everyone.. I installed the software that sync files from my tablet to laptop. When i connacted, it asked me to enter a password to use the software.. What password do I have to enter it?! It asks for a device password? What is it? Sorry I'm only getting use to my new tablet.. Thanks!

The best way I find for transferring photos and music is to do it through Windows Explorer. I have XP Pro and when I go into Explorer it shows the PlayBook as a Drive. When I click on Media, it opens and shows all the media directories. All your PlayBook pictures are in the camera directory. You just drag them from the PlayBook to a directory on your computer. I think it is faster and safer.
When you connect via Desktop Manager you have to be careful. Sometimes the DM will tell you an upgrade is available and before you know what is going on, it is updating the OS resulting in the loss of all your pictures and music as well as all other files. So be very careful when using it. This is why I prefer using the drag method to move my media.

Sony tablet or laptop

Hi am going to hongkong, China and vietnam I have a sony tablet, can i use skype credit to phone back to the UK from over there. And also would the sony laptop work.
If I buy credit for one month does it automatically take subscriptions monthly after that? or will it just expire
Sue

Thank you so much!

Trackpoint does not work after switching from the tablet to laptop mode.

I use my tablet to run a smartboard. Sometimes when I switch to the tablet mode and back by reversing the display, the trackpoint and mouse keys stop working. The touchpad below it still works. I am running windows 7. I have gone into the control panel, under mouse, and both the trackpoint and touchpad are still both checked. ?? When I restart the functions return.

Hi Remaxjoe,
Welcome to Lenovo Community Forums!
I’m really sorry to hear that trackpoint is not working properly in your Lenovo system.
I would suggest you to download the Ultranav drivers for your system and install it.
Below is the link to enter downloads page and install the Ultranav driver.
• Support Drivers & Software downloads
Please click on "QUICK PATH”, enter your system model and select the exact model depending on the MTM number of your device.
Spoiler (Highlight to read)
You can refer here for further information.
Hope this helps!
Best regards,
Mithun.
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Toshiba doesn't recognise laptop or tablet when using HDMI

I have a toshiba (Model#46G310U) and when try to connect a laptop or tablet using HDMI cable. It says no signal.
But when i connect the laptop using VGA cable, it works. i want to know my Tv is compatible with tablet or laptop using HDMI cable or if i need to change some setting.

Jolin:
Were those scanned tiff image files you added the data to with exiftool? See if PhotoInfo can read the EXIF data in those files. If not then the fields are not the correct ones.
TIP: For insurance against the iPhoto database corruption that many users have experienced I recommend making a backup copy of the Library6.iPhoto (iPhoto.Library for iPhoto 5 and earlier) database file and keep it current. If problems crop up where iPhoto suddenly can't see any photos or thinks there are no photos in the library, replacing the working Library6.iPhoto file with the backup will often get the library back. By keeping it current I mean backup after each import and/or any serious editing or work on books, slideshows, calendars, cards, etc. That insures that if a problem pops up and you do need to replace the database file, you'll retain all those efforts. It doesn't take long to make the backup and it's good insurance.
I've created an Automator workflow application (requires Tiger or later), iPhoto dB File Backup, that will copy the selected Library6.iPhoto file from your iPhoto Library folder to the Pictures folder, replacing any previous version of it. It's compatible with iPhoto 6 and 7 libraries and Tiger and Leopard. Just put the application in the Dock and click on it whenever you want to backup the dB file. iPhoto does not have to be closed to run the application, just idle. You can download it at Toad's Cellar. Be sure to read the Read Me pdf file.
Note: There's now an Automator backup application for iPhoto 5 that will work with Tiger or Leopard.

Could someone tell me what a tablet does or doesn't do as compared to a laptop?

I may purchase a tablet rather than a laptop. I know nothing about tablets. I have a desktop now. So before talking to sales reps. can/will anyone share with me the difference in tablets and laptops and the problems that are affectting consumers tablets if there are any, and if so what is a common problem? If I would have known about the problems so many had with Vista, I would not have used it. I was a newbie to computers and heard and found out later Vista had common problems among users. Thank you.
This question was solved.
View Solution.

I'm not the best one to answer your questions as I have only had a tablet for a short while.
That being said up front, I have found out the following problems/features/limitations:
Some tablets will connect to WiFi with only a limited encryption (SECURITY) scheme, so check what your home router will accept (same with school, etc. wherever you will use it most.)
Most tablets (running Android) are not easily OS upgradeable to the newer versions, and if you do succeed to update OS, some of your Apps may not work under newer version.
Some tablets can expand "memory" via an microSD card, but restrict its useage to only storing music, pictures, or other data but NOT applications. To free up "main" memory in tablet, you need a file manager app to move stuff to uSD card for more apps.
Not all bluetooth keyboards will pair correctly.
You have to be extreamly carefull when charging battery as the connector is easily damaged.
Don't let your tablet battery fall below 15% if LiOn type (most are now).
You cannot connect any USB options to tablet using the uUSB port (it is designed as a "slave" and not master/host to allow USB connectivity) (Also reason you would use a Bluetooth keyboard).
You can transfer to/from your tablet using a laptop or desktop (windows) using Bluetooth or uUSB to USB cable.
Even with all restrictions, Tablets are very useful if you understand their niche.
I use mine most everyday to: check email, watch movies (downloaded), surf web, read books, listen to music, play games.
I have a 15" laptop that I could use to do all of these, but tablet is lighter, battery lasts longer, is smaller, and easier to carry (fits almost anywhere).
Most users get into trouble with a tablet by installing the latest OS (Android) version, and find that some things will not work anymore and to recover from this, have to do a factory recovery. This means if their data wasn't backed up to the cloud or a laptop/desktop....it's lost. Good news is if you purchased apps via GooglePlay, they will reload. I'm not sure about Amazon App store apps.
There are Windows Tablets out there that will have most functions of a laptop, and the mobility of a Tablet.
These you can generally update and patch as needed (Windows), but drivers may not be available yet for newer OS version, so you would need to check with manufacturer web site.
Regards,
Louis

Cursor moves when in tablet mode (screen touching the pointing stick on an X220T)

Hi there,
when I put my X220T in tablet mode, the screen moves just enough to move the pointing stick in the middle of the keyboard to cause the cursor to move. I can't rest my hand on the screen without causing the cursor to move all the way accross the screen.
Am I missing a driver that would disable the nub when the screen is turned over it, or is this a design oversight? I've got the latest BIOS.
Cheers,
Kimmo
http://vanhavirta.fi/
Solved!
Go to Solution.

Nevermind, I was too hasty: https://forums.lenovo.com/t5/X-Series-Tablet-ThinkPad-Laptops/X220-TrackPoint-Wandering-in-Tablet-Mo...
http://vanhavirta.fi/

Is there a way to lock the yoga 2 pro in tablet mode? and in vertical?

It is beyond irritating. I can't seem to get it to stay in tablet mode and it switches from tablet to laptop to tent. and rotates even when I put the rotation lock on (from swiping the settings in from the right)

hi lilyYH,
Thanks for Posting!
Have you try this button?
Thanks
Solid Cruver
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Windows 8.1 Tablet Detection

Hi all
I'm looking for a script or set of queries to distinguish that a device is specifically a Windows 8.1 tablet.
I'm trying to resolve an issue with BGinfo tiling on tablet devices and I thought Chassis Detection
or TouchScreen PointingType queries was the way to go but the query results have been very inconsistent.
Any help is appreciated.
Thanks in advanced.

I will take a swag at this although I don't know that there is a perfect answer.
Get-WmiObject Win32_SystemEnclosure -Property chassistypes | select-object -expandproperty chassistypes
The chassistype for a tablet is 8. I tested this command on a tablet (which returned 8) and a touch notebook (which returned 9).
I needed a query like this for other things so I am glad you posed the question to remind me. Credit
Ivan and Bing for getting me down the right path. Ivan should really blog more.
8 = Tablet
9 = Laptop
10 = Laptop
11 = Laptop
14 = Laptop
Everything Else = Desktop or Server
Hope that helps.
.bill
Regards, Bill Moore @BMooreAtDell

WHAT IS YOUR IDEAL CELL PHONE AND TABLET/ULTRABOOK/LAPTOP COMBO?

I’d like to see what everyone here thinks is the best CELL PHONE and TABLET/ULTRABOOK/LAPTOP combination to own this year now that the CES show is coming to a close. So post up what you think is the ideal combination from what has been announced. Maybe, just maybe, Best Buy will listen and insure they carry the products we want.
My vote goes to:
PHONE = Samsung Galaxy Note LTE (unlocked - carrier independent)
TABLET/ULTRABOOK/LAPTOP = Lenovo Ideapad Yoga 13 with Windows 8 and its’ IPS touch screen
(Posted this in the Cell Phone AND Tablet forums)

Blackberry 9810
efficient keyboard for quick access to functions. How many other phones have 26 quick keys to dial a number?
convenient one handed operation on the bus because it has a trackpad
great battery life with the slower processor
user replaceable battery. You can change a battery for the cost of a good dinner. Other phones have sealed batteries that force you to get a hair dry to rip the battery out. Basically they force you to get a new phone....SCAM
durability..... seen too many cracked Apple screens. Takes a lot of punishment without needing a THICK "bumper"
brightness.... notice how dim iPhone screens are on bus compared to other phones?
data compression.... doesn't rack up my data plan. Doesn't have Siri. Blackberry uses 1/3 or 1/6 the data compared to other phones. Very important, especially when travelling
BBM saves me money when texting with other international BBM users.
the 9810 sliding mechanism means the phone is compact when not used, but grows in size when needed
the 9810 keyboard does not shrink my viewing area when I'm typing
Blackberry Playbook
plays flash websites.... i got tired of Apple forcing websites to create an App to work (scam)
fits in my purse and pocket
dual speakers without a dock..... it's amazing the audio quality
stereo microphones
smart bezel where the frame is an added touchpad functionality
With the upcoming OS update next month, Blackberries can take remote control of the Playbook tablet.... HOT as the phone keyboard can be used as Playbook tablet keyboard and phone screen become a mouse!

Windows Laptop that will run Photoshop?

I am looking for a new laptop which is easy to carry around but yet can still work the latest model of Photoshop. Can I get a decent Windows laptop which can run Photoshop easily or is a Mac worth the heavy price tag? I live in the UK, so please tell me the prices in £ please.

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X220 tablet clicking problem

Hello all,
I have this massive problem with my cursor randomly moving and clicking all over the screen without being touched. I hadn't had this problem until after I had my cracked screen replaced with a new one. I've tried unplugging the mouse, disabling the touchpad, etc. and nothing. Help would be awesome. Thanks ahead.
Solved!
Go to Solution.

There are a few related threads here, but I have yet to see anyone that reports the problem as solved.
For me this gets worse when running a full screen video for some odd reason. Right now my X220 is plugged in but not charging ('charing will start at 90percent') and it's not doing the random clicking. But the moment I play a full screen youtube video the problem appears, stopping and starting the video say three times per ten seconds or so. I end up having to unplug the charger to stop it.
Related threads:
http://forums.lenovo.com/t5/X-Series-Tablet-ThinkPad-Laptops/X220-random-clicking/m-p/699817
http://forums.lenovo.com/t5/X-Series-Tablet-ThinkPad-Laptops/Random-clicking-only-when-plugged-into-...
http://forums.lenovo.com/t5/X-Series-Tablet-ThinkPad-Laptops/Mouse-cursor-jumps-around-the-screen-ra...

CS3 Tablet PC, pen pressure not working.

http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p101/Shokemn/photoshoppen.png
is what my settings for pen look like right now
but my issue is that theres no sensitivity every time i set it to "pen pressure" the little triangle pops up beside it saying I need a pen pressure sensitive tablet.
But I do have one, I have a tablet PC (laptop with a touchscreen) specifically its a HP Pavilion tx 2000.
What i'm hoping to have it look like:http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p101/Shokemn/photoshoppenafter.png
any help would be super appreciated i dont know what to do at this point.

People report time and again that COMPLETELY removing the old driver, then installing the latest, does good things for them.
Photoshop, being an advanced application, demands a lot of the components it works with.
-Noel

Tablet vs. Laptop

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