# Seeking info on tablet computers **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [May 17, 2012, 1:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/seeking-info-on-tablet-computers/622157 "2012-05-17T01:13:50Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 7\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![kayT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayt/32/3633_2.png) [@kayT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayT)\ **Post date:** [May 17, 2012, 1:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/seeking-info-on-tablet-computers/622157/1 "2012-05-17T01:13:50Z")
I am interested in buying a tablet computer. I like the idea of a Windows 7 tablet; I know there’s not much love on SDMB for Windows but I have 7 on my current laptop and have no problems. I would like to hear from anyone who has a tablet, especially with Windows. Also I have been told that you “can’t” install Firefox on them but have to use IE; don’t know what that means exactly. I’m also interested in reasons for preferring Android tablets, if someone does. I don’t think I am interested in an I-Pad though. I like the idea of a keyboard “dock” like the Win7 machines have. Any input would be appreciated. ---
**Author:** ![jasg](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f0a364/32.png) [@jasg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jasg)\ **Post date:** [May 17, 2012, 2:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/seeking-info-on-tablet-computers/622157/2 "2012-05-17T02:37:49Z")
I made my living as a Windows guy and use Win7 on our main system. I also have an iPad. For many reasons, I think that you might be happier if you wait a few months to see what Windows 8 Intel tablets show up. ---
**Author:** ![Rand\_Rover](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/db5fbb/32.png) [@Rand\_Rover](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rand_Rover)\ **Post date:** [May 17, 2012, 2:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/seeking-info-on-tablet-computers/622157/3 "2012-05-17T02:49:58Z")
What do thou want to do with it exactly? I love my Kindle Fire, but I just read books and surf the web and use a couple of apps, so I’m not much of a power user. ---
**Author:** ![kayT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayt/32/3633_2.png) [@kayT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayT)\ **Post date:** [May 17, 2012, 12:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/seeking-info-on-tablet-computers/622157/4 "2012-05-17T12:10:16Z")
I mostly surf the web, read & write e-mail, and of course post to the dope. What will be better about windows 8? I have heard the touch screen interface will be better. Anything else? ---
**Author:** ![Brown\_Eyed\_Girl](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/brown_eyed_girl/32/3574_2.png) [@Brown\_Eyed\_Girl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Brown_Eyed_Girl)\ **Post date:** [May 17, 2012, 12:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/seeking-info-on-tablet-computers/622157/5 "2012-05-17T12:13:46Z")
I’ve had my eye on the Android-based Asus Transformer because it’s a tablet with a keyboard docking unit that extends the battery life. Since I plan on using it for taking notes in class, the keyboard is the main selling point, but I also don’t particularly want a netbook when I’d prefer to be holding just a tablet (while studying my e-textbooks). I like the flexibility of the Transformer. Also, I have an Android phone that I’m quite happy with. As for iPads, too expensive and prone to theft. ---
**Author:** ![phreesh](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/9fc29f/32.png) [@phreesh](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/phreesh)\ **Post date:** [May 17, 2012, 3:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/seeking-info-on-tablet-computers/622157/6 "2012-05-17T15:06:56Z")
I would echo the advice to wait for Windows 8. It’s really meant for touch computing and looks super-cool. I imagine pricing will be really aggressive to compete with Apple for market share so I think you’ll be happy you waited. WRT iPad ‘docks’, are you referring to being able to use a keyboard with the iPad because there’s all sorts of bluetooth keyboards that can be used with an iPad. ---
**Author:** ![jasg](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f0a364/32.png) [@jasg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jasg)\ **Post date:** [May 17, 2012, 4:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/seeking-info-on-tablet-computers/622157/7 "2012-05-17T16:38:06Z")
> [@kayT](#): > > I mostly surf the web, read & write e-mail, and of course post to the dope. > > What will be better about windows 8? I have heard the touch screen interface will be better. Anything else? I expect the core OS to be better optimized for battery conservation. Also, the existing desktop UI implementation is a huge pain on a tablet. When using a virtual terminal from my iPad to Win7 or MacOS, I find it extremely frustrating to use mouse based applications with a finger. It is tolerable for very occasional use, but painful for real work.