Talk to me about tablets...

Sheryl Nantus · May 31, 2011

My husband is interested in picking up one of these new-fangled tablets to read comic books on... but we can't figure out what/how/zigglefrazzz details about 'em...

Some questions to start off my confusion:

1) I see all tablets with the Android OS. Does this mean he couldn't run ANY Windows programs, specifically the ones that allow him to read digital comics?

2) Do you need to have a subscription with a cell phone provider for all of them, or are there "stand alones" like a regular laptop?

3) Er... that's it for now. I throw my ignorant self on the mercy of the masses when it comes to figuring this out.

Thanks in advance!

Deleted member 42 · May 31, 2011

For comics, I'd go with the iPad, hands down. I'll try to get my comic fanatic co-writer to make an appearance and explain why. Partly it's because there's an app designed with comics in mind as well as the Marvel and various other publisher's apps.

Basicly, there's a way to read and get pretty much anything, legally, with the exception of some really rare/old issues.

Sheryl Nantus · May 31, 2011

Medievalist said:
For comics, I'd go with the iPad, hands down. I'll try to get my comic fanatic co-writer to make an appearance and explain why. Partly it's because there's an app designed with comics in mind as well as the Marvel and various other publisher's apps.

Basicly, there's a way to read and get pretty much anything, legally, with the exception of some really rare/old issues.

That'd be great - hubby's NOT an Apple fan by any stretch of the imagination but we're rather confused as to the differences and what would work best for his comics off CD and his digital subscription.

Deleted member 42 · May 31, 2011

Sheryl Nantus said:
That'd be great - hubby's NOT an Apple fan by any stretch of the imagination but we're rather confused as to the differences and what would work best for his comics off CD and his digital subscription.

If you guys are near a comic store, you might post a sign asking if anyone's willing to give you a free demo.

I'm only now, tentatively, discovering graphic novels and comics--I have a very hard time reading the text of comics, and on the iPad I can zoom.

Basically, you're going to want to decide between an Android and an iPad, and honestly, he needs to really see both to make a personal decision.

If you send me your postal address in a PM, I'll send you a copy of our book wherein my comic-obsessed and very savy co-writer talks about comics and the iPad.

Sheryl Nantus · May 31, 2011

Medievalist said:
If you guys are near a comic store, you might post a sign asking if anyone's willing to give you a free demo.

I'm only now, tentatively, discovering graphic novels and comics--I have a very hard time reading the text of comics, and on the iPad I can zoom.

Basically, you're going to want to decide between an Android and an iPad, and honestly, he needs to really see both to make a personal decision.

If you send me your postal address in a PM, I'll send you a copy of our book wherein my comic-obsessed and very savy co-writer talks about comics and the iPad.

PM incoming!

It's really more of a case where we don't want to get locked into a cell phone payment plan for the Android for wireless access and also learning a whole new OS.

We're such Luddites.

TheMindKiller · May 31, 2011

1. Some tablets run the Windows mobile OS, or soon will, but I'm not sure that would help with what you are asking about anyway. But it doesn't matter because all three of the major comic houses (marvel, dc, and dark horse) have fantastic apps available that make comic book reading easy.

2. Tablets don't require a cellphone contract, if that's what you're asking about. If you want a tablet with 3G enabled, you will have to pay a monthly fee to a carrier you choose for a limited amount of bandwidth. If you just want a Wi-Fi enabled tablet the only thing you'd pay for is if the Wi-Fi you're trying to access requires payment.

The one major selling point the iPad has over most of the competition is that it's cheaper. Usually. That's changing but even if you aren't an Apple fan, that's a nice selling point.

Deleted member 42 · May 31, 2011

Sheryl Nantus said:
PM incoming!

It's really more of a case where we don't want to get locked into a cell phone payment plan for the Android for wireless access and also learning a whole new OS.

We're such Luddites.

I have a WiFi only iPad. And my mom learned to use the iPad in about ten minutes.

Downside: You do have to use iTunes to configure/update the iPad. There's iTunes for Windows, but it can be a little frustrating. You need to be prepared to read the screen and tell it No.

kuwisdelu · May 31, 2011

Both Marvel and DC have dedicated apps for the iPad, and there are several comic reader apps that you can load your comics into to read. I'm not sure if Honeycomb has mature comic reader apps yet. Android is pretty mature on the phone, but doesn't have nearly as many good apps made for the tablet screen size yet, though I'm sure it'll get there.

If you get a WiFi tablet without 3G, you don't have to worry about any contracts. If you get a 3G Android tablet, they generally come with a contract. If you get a 3G iPad, you do NOT have to get it with a contract; you only need to pay on months you want to switch on 3G.

AmericaMadeMe · May 31, 2011

At the moment, the iPad is really the only game in town, since Android "Honeycomb" feels sluggish and Windows 7 isn't a serious option. That leaves the upcoming HP "TouchPad," which is the same form factor as the iPad, but runs a new version of the old Palm operating system. Not sure about that one. Same goes for the much maligned Blackberry Playbook, which borrows its operating system from in-car navigation systems. Honestly, the best advice is probably to wait another 6-12 months before making a tablet purchase. Of course, you can always buy something with a dated Android 2.x OS, like the Nook Color or assorted generic 7 inch tablets, but I wouldn't advise such a short term move.

kuwisdelu · May 31, 2011

A 7" tablet may be a bit lighter, but I'd think it'd be a bit small for reading comics or manga.

TheMindKiller · May 31, 2011

Just wait half a year for Amazon's tablet to come out. I'm sure it'll be awesome. It'll also be cheap since Amazon is its own distributer.

Nook Color might not be a bad option if reading comics is the main goal. Easily the cheapest and best supported Android tablet. Not capable of the full range of options of other tablets like iPad or Xoom but at half the price and still capable of using comic book apps if you need it to.

Talk to me about tablets...

Sheryl Nantus

Holding out for a Superhero...

Deleted member 42

Sheryl Nantus

Holding out for a Superhero...

Deleted member 42

Sheryl Nantus

Holding out for a Superhero...

TheMindKiller

Only I Will Remain

Deleted member 42

kuwisdelu

Revolutionize the World

AmericaMadeMe

kuwisdelu

Revolutionize the World

TheMindKiller

Only I Will Remain