Samsung S2 or microsoft surface

[EviL Ras]

Quick question,

I'm going to pick up a tablet in hong kong. But should i get the superb Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 or put a bit more cash up and get an microsoft surface?

Pretty much going to be an auxiliary device for travelling or using on the sofa!

[robbo]

I've not looked into the S2 at all so no idea on that front. You looking at the standard surface 3 or the surface pro 4 (or pro 3)?

[Johnmcl7]

I'd lean towards the Samsung as I don't find Windows works very well as a touch only interface and Windows 10 is worse in this regard, it sounds like you'll be primarily using it as a tablet rather than a laptop style and for casual media consumption rather than productivity applications, the latter of both would favour the Surface.

John

[EviL Ras]

Cheers gents. I really like the samsung galaxy tab s2. And i think the 8" is perfect for commuting and carrying about. I just glanced at the surface cos i feel you can do more with it! But then how often i'd do more is up for debate! So yes, lets save some cash and get the samsung!

[EviL Ras]

Also, you're looking at £220 for the S2 8" as a light device to carry round. £279 for the 9.7" version. and £381 if i go for the 4GB/128Gb surface 3.

[Fodder]

S2. Loving mine, especially now I've swapped to the google now launcher instead of the touch willy one from samsung. You have the MS office apps on there if you use them, and they work surprisingly well. I'm even using it with a bluetooth keyboard to start a book. Not used it to edit any RAW files yet, but smashed a few JPEGs through it an up to Flickr the other day without any problem (used snapseed to make them sparkle).

[EviL Ras]

Writing this on my new s2 8.0. I had a look at the surface 3 and it looked great! But for my uses, the s2 is fine! The 8 inch one is really nice and light! The 9.7 inch one looked good, but i want to hold with 1 hand! I'll look for a keyboard tomorrow in the city when I go to collect my lens!

I'll install that Google now launcher thing and have a look now.

[Fodder]

Been using this keyboard and pretty impressed with it.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00V ... ge_o05_s00

[Tappy]

Just to echo your decision, I find the 8" of the Shield is much more convenient for light travel consumption; especially if you're sat next to someone - your elbows aren't in their space.

[EviL Ras]

Yeah, we just used it at a dinner date where we don't speak the same language! So the S2 connected to the NAS was used to view wedding videos and pictures of Zimbabwe! Worked very well and big enough for us to all see!

[Johnmcl7]

I've had a few Windows 8 touch devices (the Vaio Duo 11, Dell Venue 8 Pro and now the Latitude 13 7350) and I don't think Windows is any good as a touch only device, I spent a while with the Venue 8 Pro including upgrading it to Windows 10 but while the performance is amazing for such a little device I just found I constantly needed a keyboard. Similarly the Latitude 13 is not unlike a Surface type device as it is a self contained tablet that connects to a keyboard (the difference being its keyboard is more substantial so it's more like a normal laptop when the two are connected) with the idea that I'd take just the tablet part on its own to work since that would be lighter than the Latitude 12 but so far it's spending all its time connected to the dock as it just isn't much cop on its own. I should have gone for an Android option I guess although there wasn't much appealing as an alternative plus I think the Latitude 13 will be good on the train as the screen is lovely.

Plus despite other compromises with the 2 in 1 design I have to admit I've liked the Latitude 13 from the start, with nothing in the base bar the batteries it doesn't heat up on your lap and there's no active cooling at all so it doesn't matter if the base is sitting on a suffocating quilt or similar. And the keyboard is lovely, the keys are just the right side and have just the right amount of travel so it's great to type on.

John

[EviL Ras]

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00WSL8FH4

This folding keyboard looks the same and is on lightning deal at 1540 today. sadly i'll be in a meeting!

[Johnmcl7]

Oops, I did see that before it went live and forgot about it as I did want it...far too much stuff on the deals and not much of a discount.

John

[EviL Ras]

Yeah, it was down to £17.45. But i think because it's a prime preview, they'll be more on friday. But I've noticed it has a weird joint that sticks up! Also, I'm not convinced it will be of much use to social media responses! So i'll stock with SwiftKey for now!

On the plus side, my official book cover arrived. Its heavier than I thought! Magnets I guess!