A good Tablet for a writer

[Thump]

Hullo,

If the question has been discussed, please link me :) I searched but found threads that weren't really relevant.

I really want to get a tablet pc to do some writing on during the commute etc. So far, I've been using a notebook but I'm terrible at typing what I've written longhand :S

I wonder if any of you use a Tablet for writing manuscripts?

I've considered the iPad. I love Apple products but I'm not a blind follower. I'm not convinced it's the best option for me. For that price, I'd like something that can do more of what my laptop can. I don't expect it to do everything but...

Ideally, I'd like something that can connect to the internet, Wi-Fi only will do as I don't want to have to pay for a monthly contract on 3G. I also want a USB port or at least an SD card slot. A large screen I think would be best as I need space to write and see what I'm writing so not a touch keyboard that takes up the whole space. I like the size of the iPad. It's big but then, my notebook's bigger :D I would also like some of the fast response of iPads, it's all so smooth! I don't care what OS it operates, I can learn... and I don't need it to have cameras and phone capability. I already have a camera and a phone... although, admitedly, a camera for having Skype video calls would be nice (but not required).

Suggestions? It seems like the only reviews I find are "iPad vs. Galaxy Tab" and as the Galaxy is too small for my taste, it doesn't give me much of a choice does it?

[Georgina]

For what you're after, perhaps you'd be better off getting a cheap netbook? Physical keyboard, USB, etc.

If you specifically want a tablet and don't want an iPad, you're limited in your options right now. I casually follow tablet news and from what I've read, the Galaxy is the only real contender at this stage. A number of companies have tablets scheduled to come out in 2011, though, if you don't mind waiting.

Cheers.

[Lhun]

For what you're after, perhaps you'd be better off getting a cheap netbook? Physical keyboard, USB, etc.Seconded. Before buying a tablet to write on, make sure to borrow one and write a few thousand words on it to test out if it's actually comfortable to write on that touch keyboard.. Writing without haptic feedback sucks, and many people who are used to writing decent-length texts manage more keystrokes per minute than touch keyboards can handle.
Even when buying a netbook i suggest trying it out first to see if you're comfortable with the keyboard size. Keyboards are like fountain pens, not all of them are comfortable to write with for every writer.

[Thump]

I've thought of that. I like the physical keyboard but at the same time, it's only a small improvement in portability compared to a laptop. Also, I would like something that turns on almost instantly like the iPad does (from what I've seen).

:-S It's looking like the iPad is the only real option, at this point anyway. Do you know if you can write .doc files on it? Or at least a format that is compatible with Windows computers?

[Lhun]

I've thought of that. I like the physical keyboard but at the same time, it's only a small improvement in portability compared to a laptop. Also, I would like something that turns on almost instantly like the iPad does (from what I've seen).Small netbooks are the same size as the iPad. How long it takes to boot has almost nothing to do with the hardware, it's a question of how you set up the OS. Windows and linux can be set to go to sleep mode instead of switching off, and will turn on instantly as well. You could even turn a netbook into a hackintosh if you like the apple software.

[Georgina]

:-S It's looking like the iPad is the only real option, at this point anyway. Do you know if you can write .doc files on it? Or at least a format that is compatible with Windows computers?

According to this Apple support page (http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4065), Pages (the iPad word processor) supports .doc. There's some other info there on importing and exporting documents with the iPad that might be of interest.

Regarding hackintoshes, I've known several people who've tried to get that up and running, and all of them had varying degrees of trouble. I'd research carefully before buying a netbook specifically to convert to hackintosh, if that's your end goal.

Cheers.

[Lhun]

Yes, it's not something for people who don't have fun fiddling around with their machine. But there's no real good reason to use Apple software anyway, except personal preference. So if the goal is just to have any netbook, just stick with windows or linux.

[kuwisdelu]

Seconded. Before buying a tablet to write on, make sure to borrow one and write a few thousand words on it to test out if it's actually comfortable to write on that touch keyboard.. Writing without haptic feedback sucks, and many people who are used to writing decent-length texts manage more keystrokes per minute than touch keyboards can handle.
Even when buying a netbook i suggest trying it out first to see if you're comfortable with the keyboard size. Keyboards are like fountain pens, not all of them are comfortable to write with for every writer.

I've thought of that. I like the physical keyboard but at the same time, it's only a small improvement in portability compared to a laptop.

I wouldn't necessarily go by how well you type on it after a few thousand words. Touch keyboards take getting used to, but some people can write pretty damn well on them.

However, if your main purpose is writing, and you don't plan on using it for other purposes, then definitely don't jump in if you don't like typing on it. You may get better, you might not, so it's not really worth it if you're not planning on using its other capabilities.

Also, I would like something that turns on almost instantly like the iPad does (from what I've seen).

That's partially because it's not actually turning on and off. It's sleeping, like most other computers can do. If you really want something that will wake from sleep that instantly, though, get something with an SSD.

If you want a hardware keyboard, instant-on, and good protability — and budget isn't too much of an issue — the new 11" MacBook Air is a good choice.

:-S It's looking like the iPad is the only real option, at this point anyway. Do you know if you can write .doc files on it? Or at least a format that is compatible with Windows computers?

According to this Apple support page (http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4065), Pages (the iPad word processor) supports .doc. There's some other info there on importing and exporting documents with the iPad that might be of interest.

Pages can read .doc and export to it. It can't *natively* save to .doc, but since you'll (I assume) be transferring your docs back and forth between a regular computer anyway, that's not too big a deal.

What can be problematic, is that you may lose a lot of special formatting. Pages and most other word processors for the iPad aren't quite as capable as their desktop brethren yet. You should keep as much basic stuff though as, say, going between .doc and .rtf.

Regarding hackintoshes, I've known several people who've tried to get that up and running, and all of them had varying degrees of trouble. I'd research carefully before buying a netbook specifically to convert to hackintosh, if that's your end goal.

Cheers.

Yes, it's not something for people who don't have fun fiddling around with their machine. But there's no real good reason to use Apple software anyway, except personal preference. So if the goal is just to have any netbook, just stick with windows or linux.

Yeah, if you don't enjoy tinkering with your machine, it's probably best to stick with Windows or Linux on non-Apple hardware. On top of getting it to work in the first place, there's the problem that software updates can sometimes break your machine until there's a hackintosh fix. Sometimes they do work flawlessly, though.

[JulieHowe]

Hullo,

If the question has been discussed, please link me :) I searched but found threads that weren't really relevant.

I really want to get a tablet pc to do some writing on during the commute etc. So far, I've been using a notebook but I'm terrible at typing what I've written longhand :S

I wonder if any of you use a Tablet for writing manuscripts?

I've considered the iPad. I love Apple products but I'm not a blind follower. I'm not convinced it's the best option for me. For that price, I'd like something that can do more of what my laptop can. I don't expect it to do everything but...

Ideally, I'd like something that can connect to the internet, Wi-Fi only will do as I don't want to have to pay for a monthly contract on 3G. I also want a USB port or at least an SD card slot. A large screen I think would be best as I need space to write and see what I'm writing so not a touch keyboard that takes up the whole space. I like the size of the iPad. It's big but then, my notebook's bigger :D I would also like some of the fast response of iPads, it's all so smooth! I don't care what OS it operates, I can learn... and I don't need it to have cameras and phone capability. I already have a camera and a phone... although, admitedly, a camera for having Skype video calls would be nice (but not required).

Suggestions? It seems like the only reviews I find are "iPad vs. Galaxy Tab" and as the Galaxy is too small for my taste, it doesn't give me much of a choice does it?

Also consider your first need. You said you want to write during your commute. I don't know of any form of transit that is smooth enough to allow you to write cleanly and without jerking the pen all over the tablet screen every time the vehicle bumps or moves.

[Tirjasdyn]

I use the HP TMt2 tablet Pc. It runs Windows 7 and retails for about $899. Mine is powerful enough to play games has a huge harddrive, 500 gigs and has a key board. It has a Stylus AND touch screen like an Ipad. You can use them both interchangeably.

Also W7 is tablet ready. It recognizes my handwriting and I can handwrite onto the screen and it changes it to type.

It's a great commute computer. The battery does last 6 hours. It has an SD slot and usb ports.

[Tirjasdyn]

I've thought of that. I like the physical keyboard but at the same time, it's only a small improvement in portability compared to a laptop. Also, I would like something that turns on almost instantly like the iPad does (from what I've seen).

:-S It's looking like the iPad is the only real option, at this point anyway. Do you know if you can write .doc files on it? Or at least a format that is compatible with Windows computers?

Ipad really isn't the only option. HP TMT2.

[JimmyB27]

Dell (http://www1.euro.dell.com/uk/en/home/inspiron-duo/pd.aspx?refid=inspiron-duo&s=dhs&cs=ukdhs1) do something similair - cheaper too.

[Thump]

I'm looking at the Tm2t and it sound very good even though Engadget shows it to be a bit sluggish (yeah, I'm impatient like that...). It looks a bit heavy though.

Tirjasdyn: do you ever have any issues with the weight of the Tm2t?

JimmyB27: That is a lot cheaper but it's Dell and I haven't had good experiences with Dell. Do you have one of these or have you tried it?

[Tirjasdyn]

I'm looking at the Tm2t and it sound very good even though Engadget shows it to be a bit sluggish (yeah, I'm impatient like that...). It looks a bit heavy though.

Tirjasdyn: do you ever have any issues with the weight of the Tm2t?

JimmyB27: That is a lot cheaper but it's Dell and I haven't had good experiences with Dell. Do you have one of these or have you tried it?

Mine isn't sluggish at all, but it has six gigs of ram. I don't run the HP desktop app very much. I find that I forget I can't touch the screen of other computers.

As for weight...nope. I read on it, draw on it, edit on it. It's like snuggling up with a hardback book.

I took a look at the dell. oooo pretty. THe ram is on the low side and no way to add more though.

[maestrowork]

tablets are in general too expensive. Either a netbook or the iPad is your best bet. I used to have a netbook and it was okay (a bit too small). I love my iPad when I travel and I can write on it just fine (using Pages for iPad, which syncs with my computer). I have an iPad case with a built-in bluetooth keyboard ($99). Perfect for travel (the whole thing weighs about 2 pounds).

[Tirjasdyn]

tablets are in general too expensive. Either a netbook or the iPad is your best bet. I used to have a netbook and it was okay (a bit too small). I love my iPad when I travel and I can write on it just fine (using Pages for iPad, which syncs with my computer). I have an iPad case with a built-in bluetooth keyboard ($99). Perfect for travel (the whole thing weighs about 2 pounds).

Tablet PC's have dropped in price significantly since the intro of the iPad. In general you can get a nice one for under 900$.

OP specified that they wanted SD card, the ability to write on screen with wifi. None of which the iPad has.

[Thump]

I've been reading about Android lately. I know it has fewer apps and all that but what are your opinions on that?
What about Linux? I've heard a lot about it and my computer savvy friends all use it but I don't know much about it except that it's open source. Would it be a good idea to get a Windows 7 tablet and install Linux on it instead like I've seen suggested in other places? I don't know how well Linux works with touchscreens...

[maestrowork]

Tablet PC's have dropped in price significantly since the intro of the iPad. In general you can get a nice one for under 900$.

OP specified that they wanted SD card, the ability to write on screen with wifi. None of which the iPad has.

Except for SD card storage, the iPad has wifi and you can write on the screen. The iPad has internal storage and will sync to your desktop or an online site. The iPad is $499 vs the cheapest Windows (crap) tablet for $900.

[Thump]

I respectfully request that we don't turn this into a Mac vs. PC war thread :)

I know people are very passionate about Macs and PCs but I'd appreciate it if we could keep the discussion to a cold, factual review of the strong and weak points of the technology and didn't call things by the other company "crap" just because of what company makes them. I really want to know the reality of the options, I don't care who makes them...

Thank you!

[maestrowork]

Then why not just get a Windows 7 tablet? Why consider Linux which you don't know anything about? It's not the time to try a new OS when you have writing to do. ;). Ps Linux is good if you know it and if you have software to run on it.

Sorry about the commentary but I just don't like Windows and I wonder about the build quality of a $900 tablet PC. But you're right. Let's not get into that debate. I just wanted to correct tirjasdyn about the iPad.

[kuwisdelu]

Except for SD card storage, the iPad has wifi and you can write on the screen. The iPad has internal storage and will sync to your desktop or an online site. The iPad is $499 vs the cheapest Windows (crap) tablet for $900.

Yup. It doesn't have a hardware keyboard, though. You can get a keyboard dock, but unless you might as well just try to get used to the software one if you want to be more portable.

I've been reading about Android lately. I know it has fewer apps and all that but what are your opinions on that?
What about Linux? I've heard a lot about it and my computer savvy friends all use it but I don't know much about it except that it's open source. Would it be a good idea to get a Windows 7 tablet and install Linux on it instead like I've seen suggested in other places? I don't know how well Linux works with touchscreens...

Android is good for smartphones, but it's not optimized for tablets yet. This is according to Google. The next 3.0 version (Honeycomb, I believe?) will ready it for tablets. There are several manufacturers like Samsung with their Galaxy Tab that have pushed out tablets with the current 2.2 (2.3 as of very recently) Android version.

I prefer iOS personally. I think Android will be fine and good for tablets soon, though, BUT I would recommend waiting for one that supports a version that Google says is ready for tablet-sized screens. And definitely get one that's bigger than the 7"ers that everyone seems to be pushing out.

Linux is great on a notebook or desktop. Despite it being touch-capable.... I wouldn't use it on a tablet. Both Linux and Windows 7 suffer from the same problem of being a keyboard-and-mouse OS that are being pushed onto tablets without being re-designed for a touch interface. Of the two, while I'd put Linux on a desktop or notebook before Windows (my preference), I'd definitely put Windows on a touchscreen before Linux, at the moment.

If you look to Windows, you have to ask yourself whether you really want a pure tablet/touch experience or a hybrid of touch/mouse/keyboard. Windows 7 is touch-ready, but it's not really optimized for a touch screen, which is why options like iOS or Android, which are built from the get-go as touch OS's, are preferable for a machine meant to be used primarily as a tablet/touch device. Obviously, there are other trade-offs there, in that it can run desktop applications like a real version of Office, it's more stand-alone, etc., but I'd probably just put my money toward a nice ultraportable notebook at that point. If you're looking for something that can transition between a regular notebook and a tablet, it can do that, though.

[Thump]

Then why not just get a Windows 7 tablet? Why consider Linux which you don't know anything about? It's not the time to try a new OS when you have writing to do. ;). Ps Linux is good if you know it and if you have software to run on it.

Sorry about the commentary but I just don't like Windows and I wonder about the build quality of a $900 tablet PC. But you're right. Let's not get into that debate. I just wanted to correct tirjasdyn about the iPad.

I'm a bit dubious of W7 even though I have a Windows computer at home :p I'm not very impressed with their attention to detail. They work but only if you do it their way. At the same time, I have issues with the way Apple does things. I don't want to be bound to any one company for my software also, while they make excellent quality stuff, they don't give you much of it, IMO. It's like Microsoft gives you loads of stuff but none of it done perfectly and Apple giving you a small amount of stuff that's really good.

I like the middle, there's nothing wrong with plenty of rather well made stuff...

I'm curious about Linux because it seems to be what the people who know anything about computers seem to prefer. I think I adapt quickly to new OS or software so I'm not too scared about having to learn to use Linux.

[pdblake]

I use a netbook with XP on it. Battery time is great, starts almost instantly if you just let it sleep rather than shutting it down. In the case of mine I just physically put the lid down. They're getting cheaper too:)

[Tirjasdyn]

I'm pretty happy with Windows 7. I've had the tm2t for almost a year now and have had no need to call tech support, no hardware issues, and no reason to reinstall anything. The screen is still solid and pen slot hasn't lost the pen yet.

As for the iPad, of which we currently have 3 in the house for gifts and the one my BF uses, has no app for writing on the screen with a digi pen. If you want a keyboard we've had good luck with bluetooth keyboards. The only writer I know who considered an iPad stuck with his iPhone 4 and a netbook.

Android - we've come up with a few examples but kuwisdelu (http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/member.php?u=17616) is right...might want to wait till the next update and what folks do with it.

Linux is really not a good idea with a tablet. If you go netbook, I know quite a few folks who are happily writing on a linux netbook but they all have a linux guy or gal they can go to in an emergency which I would recommend.

[maestrowork]

As for the iPad, of which we currently have 3 in the house for gifts and the one my BF uses, has no app for writing on the screen with a digi pen. If you want a keyboard we've had good luck with bluetooth keyboards. The only writer I know who considered an iPad stuck with his iPhone 4 and a netbook.


Just a simple Google search came up with this:

http://jaxov.com/2010/04/writepad-handwriting-recognition-app-for-ipad/


$9.99

There are others, including note-taking, sketching apps such as PenUltimate, which is only $1.99.

I also have a Pogo Sketch Stylus which is $15. I like it a lot of sketching, writing, etc. I still prefer using my fingers for gesturing and swiping, etc. however.

[Thump]

Well, I went ahead and got an iPad. Mostly because I'm familiar with apple stuff and because it was easier to find and play around with in a physical store. It's quite an investment, I have to say, but I find I type almost if not as fast on the touch keyboard as I do on a physical keyboard. It's very much like my keyboard at work so my fingers know automatically where to go. I got a lot of writing done yesterday. I hope this is a good sign and not just that whole "new toy" excitement...

I got Pages on it and so far it feels good. If I manage to finish writing this novel and get it published, it will have paid for itself (optimism!).

[maestrowork]

Congrats on your new toy... um, I mean, writing tablet! :)

[Sagana]

Congrats! Glad to see more Ipad folk. I love mine. I've had it... since about mid-summer.

I have an app and a pen, as well as apps for just writing or sketching with my fingers, but I prefer a keyboard. I got a foldable bluetooth keyboard. It folds up to about wallet size and I velcro'd it to my Ipad case, so it's really easy to carry. It opens out to an almost full-size keyboard (still took a little getting used to.)

The case is one of those that folds back to stand-up. So it's easy to stand that up on a table at a cafe and put the keyboard down in front of it and go to town. I use the built-in keyboard quite a bit though. I got used to it faster than I thought I would :)

I really like MyWritingNook for coordinating. I type on my Ipad wherever I am, on my work computer at lunch (I actually have both a mac and a windows machine at work), and on my home desktop (windows) when I don't mind sitting in front of a screen. It's all just perfect.

Oh I got a car charger for it too, but really the charge just lasts forever, so I've never actually used it. And I have some games and the like on it, but I mostly use it to write (still) and to read (always). Sorry. I really love my Ipad :)

[Thump]

I wonder if there's something wring with mine. I know the charge is supposed to last about ten hours and I charged mine over night but the battery is at 15% and I definitely haven't used it for ten hours (and no, I haven't been watching videos or listening to music...).

In any case, I managed to write more than my daily word count again today which feels really good. It only took me about two hours which is perfect because that's about how much time I spend commuting each day. That's actually going to get a little longer as i'm buying a flat farther from my job. I think commuting my actually be fun from now on, or at least productive.

Do you guys know of a good app (free) to keep track of daily word goals and count?

[maestrowork]

It should last about 9 to 10 hours even with heavy use. Did you fully charge it before us? I notice when I'm using it heavily (lots of games, web surfing, writing, videos, etc.) I get fewer than 10 hours, but still manage to use it during the day. In standby mode, however, it goes on for weeks!

One thing you want to do is to turn off Bluetooth and Wifi when they are not in use. These two things do tend to drain power. Also, if you have background apps running (multitasking) and you're not really using them, get rid of them. Also, try to turn down the screen brightness -- it also drains power, obviously.

[kuwisdelu]

I wonder if there's something wring with mine. I know the charge is supposed to last about ten hours and I charged mine over night but the battery is at 15% and I definitely haven't used it for ten hours (and no, I haven't been watching videos or listening to music...).

In any case, I managed to write more than my daily word count again today which feels really good. It only took me about two hours which is perfect because that's about how much time I spend commuting each day. That's actually going to get a little longer as i'm buying a flat farther from my job. I think commuting my actually be fun from now on, or at least productive.

Do you guys know of a good app (free) to keep track of daily word goals and count?

How long have you had it, and what kind of apps do you usually use?

Give it a week or so, and if you notice it still not lasting very long, you might want to take it into the Apple store or something. The battery life is supposed to be damn good.

It should last about 9 to 10 hours even with heavy use. Did you fully charge it before us? I notice when I'm using it heavily (lots of games, web surfing, writing, videos, etc.) I get fewer than 10 hours, but still manage to use it during the day. In standby mode, however, it goes on for weeks!

One thing you want to do is to turn off Bluetooth and Wifi when they are not in use. These two things do tend to drain power. Also, if you have background apps running (multitasking) and you're not really using them, get rid of them. Also, try to turn down the screen brightness -- it also drains power, obviously.

Bluetooth is very much the battery killer. WiFi ain't too bad, and it should still last pretty long with it on, but turning it off can definitely help.

For most apps, multitasking shouldn't be much of a drain on battery. Apple's implementation isn't "true" multitasking, as many like to say. Rather, for most applications, it saves the state of the app and freezes it, then restores it when you return. Only certain processes can be run in the background, like VoIP, music playing, or task completion (e.g. finishing downloading something). A few apps don't honor this very well, though, and I've heard a lot of complaints about Skype in particular being a real power suck.

[AiryBri]

I desperately wanted to get an iPad after my iPod touch was stolen and I had already discovered e-books. The added bonus here was the writing capabilities. I decided to buy one. But shortly after that decesion I decided to save the money for a trip :(

Now I am buying a much cheaper ipod touch. I've discovered you can get a portable keyboard for those too. Which makes the cumbersome-hard-to-hide ipod slightly more convenient and much less expensive.

I know it's not the same, but I think it will work for me.

[Sagana]

A trip might be more important for a writer. After all, you can write on anything, even a napkin if you have to. But you only get so many opportunities for unique experiences.

The keyboard I have will work with the Ipod or an Iphone. It was actually meant for phones originally and it has a cool little stand to hold the portable in front of the keyboard. It's rather bigger than an Ipod, so maybe not so easy to carry, but it's still just a bit above wallet-sized.

I don't know of an app for word goals and count (other than that MyWritingSpot tracks your words) but if you find one, let me know :) I'll see what I can find too.

I can't imagine what's causing your issue with the battery life. I don't do any of those recommended things above. I only recently figured out how to turn the WiFi off and usually leave it on. I think the Bluetooth is set to go off automatically (as it comes back on when I connect the keyboard) but I didn't do anything special to it. I do turn the Ipad off with the button on the side when I'm not using it, but haven't really noticed that that's any different than it going off by itself, which it also does.

I think I'd take it back to the store. It shouldn't go out that fast. When my daughter was in the hospital and we were stuck in waiting rooms for hours, my husband and I used it watching Netflix tv episodes and playing games (needed something mindless). Very heavy use for a couple of weeks, and still no problems with the charge (and it has a gorgeous picture).

[kuwisdelu]

I think the Bluetooth is set to go off automatically (as it comes back on when I connect the keyboard) but I didn't do anything special to it.

It doesn't turn off automatically — the indicator will dim when it doesn't see any other devices, but it's still on and "watching" for devices. It's fine to keep it on. I always have both WiFi and Bluetooth on all the time on my iPod Touch, but keeping Bluetooth on does mean I have to charge it every night as opposed to every other night.