I've been looking at tablets now that I'm doing a lot more shopping lately, but don't have a lot to spend. Can anyone recommend an inexpensive tablet that would be suitable for shopping? And what size screen do you think is too small? I've seen some affordable tablets with the features I "think" I need (but I'm not even 100% sure of that) with 7" or 8" screens. That seems big enough, but maybe not?

I'm having to pass up some decent-paying audits lately for lack of a tablet on which to enter info on site. I guess it's time to buy one.

TIA!

I got an iPad mini for $99. Fits in my purse. For me, the screen is too small for comfortable reporting. Unless, you get a portfolio case with a bluetooth keyboard. I got one for $19 on a big box shop. With the keyboard, I love it. I use it on the road, in the car, on site.

The Kindle fire is cheap, but I don't like it for MSing I always have issues pulling up PDFs that I have previously saved.

Spanishtulip brought up a good point. Remember to check what types of apps/programs and browsers can be installed otherwise it might not do you any good at all. I bought an iPad simply because of my comfort level with Apple products along with the ability to use Chrome and the Microsoft suite of products. I saved money by getting one that was just Wifi capable instead of having it's own data plan. My phone can be used as a hotspot and I don't leave home without the phone. At home the tablet is on Wifi so there is no data drain.

I have a Samsung Galaxy Tab E that I got for adding another line to my plan. The tablet is mine and I pay $10 a month. It has everything I need and is big enough to see and fits in my notebook quite easily. It is also WiFi capable so I only use the data when I have no WiFi.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 06/26/2016 02:55AM by schylarsok.

I have a Samsung tablet. I got a used one on eBay for $50, 7 or 8 inch screen.

I use Google apps (maps, email, notes, cloud, etc.) for mystery shopping, so everything was preloaded. I got the 8GB, so I can't download a lot of apps due to lack of space.

Also, my tablet is wifi only. I use my phone's hot spot if I need to get online and can't find a strong wifi signal where I'm at.

My next tablet will be a larger screen with more memory.

I just bought an RCA Viking Pro (wifi only) with a keyboard for $99. I really like it so far. It has a 10 inch screen. I took it with me on vacation last week and did reports from it. Other than getting used to the small keyboard, it was fine.

@nhgirl1970 wrote:

I just bought an RCA Viking Pro (wifi only) with a keyboard for $99. I really like it so far. It has a 10 inch screen. I took it with me on vacation last week and did reports from it. Other than getting used to the small keyboard, it was fine.

This sounds like a possibility. Do you know if it comes in a data-plan-compatible version, too? I'd pay extra for that. We don't have good wi-fi around here, so I have to use my cell data plan a lot. I like the idea of the larger screen and that it has a keyboard. I have an old Windows phone with a slide-out keyboard that I don't use as a phone anymore, but I bring it with me as back-up when I shop--and I still love having that tiny "real" keyboard! Much easier for me than the virtual keyboards.

@schylarsok wrote:

I have a Samsung Galaxy Tab E that I got for adding another line to my plan. The tablet is mine and I pay $10 a month.

I did a cell-phone shop last month, and they were offering that promotion! I could've gotten four tablets for free, because I needed four lines, for just the extra monthly charge. I was so tempted to switch, but even with all the promotions and discounts (including a nice discount for owning a business), the whole package would still have been quite a bit more than what we pay now. Maybe eventually....

@BirdyC It is wi-fi only but I used my phone as a hot spot and it was fine.

@nhgirl1970 wrote:

I just bought an RCA Viking Pro (wifi only) with a keyboard for $99. I really like it so far. It has a 10 inch screen. I took it with me on vacation last week and did reports from it. Other than getting used to the small keyboard, it was fine.

I just got this one too! Mine is purple

@SunnyDays2 wrote:

Mine is purple

One of my two favorite colors! Now, if they had one in red and purple, I'd buy it. I wouldn't care what it did!

@BirdyC wrote:

@SunnyDays2 wrote:

Mine is purple

One of my two favorite colors! Now, if they had one in red and purple, I'd buy it. I wouldn't care what it did!

My bathroom is purple too. I love the new tablet.

i have an almost brand new verizon ellipsis 7 tablet w/ front & back hi-res cameras w/ protective case ($40 cost) that i'm about to put on craigs list for $150 (my verizon friend told me that is what is should get for it) that i would be glad to sell to a fellow shopper for $90.00. first responder gets it. fully/completely unlocked and can be used with any carrier or connect to wifi without a carrier. detachable keyboards are available (many mfgs offer them) for about $50 so it can also be used with a keyboard also, if desired.

thanks to those who responded but...it's gone now and she got an excellent device at a more-than-excellenter (deduct a bunch of points, intellishop, for improper grammar and a nonsensical word) price, too.

Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 06/27/2016 12:30AM by parkcitybrian.

I use a chromebook for all of my mystery shopping. It does have a 14 inch screen so it is a little larger than a tablet but it only weighs 3 lbs. It is an HP and cost about $300 but I think they have brands that go even lower. With my Samsung Galaxy and chromebook I can do any report. After trying to find light weight and cost effective methods that is what I finally came up with and it has worked well for the last year. I am pretty much paperless except for the occasional new shop that I need to print out. Good luck, it took me a couple of years to find out what works best for me after asking many questions on the forum.

I have an HP7 tablet, that I have used in the past with a Bluetooth keyboard. It uses Wi-Fi only so I tether it to my Samsung Note 4. It doesn't have a rear-facing camera which is OK unless you are doing a gas station shop then I use the Note 4 for pictures.

I find a tablet pretty much worthless for anything other than reading kindle books. It is too annoying to type on a flat, virtual keyboard for any length of time - even just cruising Facebook or this forum. I looked at the chromebooks awhile back and that seemed like a viable option just a bit too big. I did have a older mini dell laptop for awhile but the screen on that was pretty small so you have do a lot of up and down scrolling to see documents. There are quite a few small sized laptops now with detachable screens, saw several at Walmart for under $200

@Boutique wrote:

I find a tablet pretty much worthless for anything other than reading kindle books. It is too annoying to type on a flat, virtual keyboard for any length of time - even just cruising Facebook or this forum. I looked at the chromebooks awhile back and that seemed like a viable option just a bit too big. I did have a older mini dell laptop for awhile but the screen on that was pretty small so you have do a lot of up and down scrolling to see documents. There are quite a few small sized laptops now with detachable screens, saw several at Walmart for under $200

buy a Bluetooth keyboard (many mfgs @ $50) sych both & voila small portable device. chromebooks are no good cuz of tiny storage + slow processor + very limited apps are available but good & cheap for middle schoolers

I bought a case for my Samsung tablet from Big Lots for $9. The case has a built in keyboard with a wire that plugs in to the tablet. I haven't used the keyboard yet because I prefer the touch, but it's a nice feature.

my advice would be dont.

you get what you pay for and "cheap" rarely equals "good"... tablets are smaller and easier for you to lose and a thief to steal... its not sure to work with the various websites posted here for secret shopping ... the cheaper they are the less likely you will get the actual play store (for instance the amazon fire tablet mentioned above only runs the Amazon app store which is similar to the google play store but still different)... they are really easy to break as they are small and i have found its really hard to type on them (im 6'2 so my hands are not exactly small) ... they often do not come with a removable battery which is the easiest way to solve a significant number of issues... also batteries (ALL batteries) lose their charge over time and are necessary to be replaced if it is made long term... which it isn't as they are constantly updating software for these buggers often at a much faster clip that a normal cpu...

if all these reasons have not dissuaded you than
1. before buying the tablet make sure there is a google play icon directly on the box ... if there isnt than you may not get the regular app store and be relegated to a third party which often doesnt run the normal apps you may be used to
2. recognize that is a cheap piece of junk and easily broken... dont expect to fix it
3. download the best app in the world "clean master" and use it to delete junk, hibernate apps, save battery life and help your tablet run smoothly
4. google "your tablets model" and "bloatware" this will show you various programs that come with the tablet pre-installed that can be deleted safely and how to delete them
5. look for an android version 4.4 or 5.1 as these are the two newest operating versions and will increase the chance of your tablet having the best and funnest apps available



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 06/27/2016 04:26AM by cooldude581.

@cooldude581 wrote:

my advice would be dont.

you get what you pay for and "cheap" rarely equals "good"...

I didn't mean literally the cheapest thing I could possibly get, but, in relative terms the cheapest thing I could get that would "suitably" do the job. If it doesn't have the features I need for shopping, or has them but won't reliably run them, then it doesn't matter how cheap it is!

I appreciate the tip on "Clean Master," since I have a couple of devices loaded with stuff I don't want and don't need. And I need to de-junk them.

I've had nothing to contribute to this thread, but just wanted to take a minute to thank you for starting it. I'm considering a tablet by the end of the year, and this has been an interesting read.

I can say that I have a Chromebook. It's awesome, and I love it. But I don't think it replaces a tablet. It is *very* lightweight, but for audits you likely need something you can hold in one hand a enter data with the other hand. No matter how light a standard shaped laptop is, it won't work well for that application. But it is a gorgeous turquoise color, so there's that.

I'm intrigued, though, by the new convertible touchscreen laptops that can be configured into a tablet by folding back or removing the keyboard "lap" part. Anyone have good results with one of those? They seem like they might be the best of both worlds... a full size keyboard when you need it and a touchscreen tablet when you don't.

I agree with CoolDude. Spend the money to get a tablet that you can grow into. My 8GB tablet is filled with bloatware. I can only download one or two apps. This was fine when I used it to read books, but now that I am seeing more needs for it, I have outgrown it.

CaliG, I did a lot of shops for Surface Pros. I stopped because I was very close to buying one. The sales people I shopped demonstrated their personal devices. It's a very powerful machine.

I think you need one.

@CaliGirl925 wrote:

I've had nothing to contribute to this thread, but just wanted to take a minute to thank you for starting it. I'm considering a tablet by the end of the year, and this has been an interesting read.

I can say that I have a Chromebook. It's awesome, and I love it. But I don't think it replaces a tablet. It is *very* lightweight, but for audits you likely need something you can hold in one hand a enter data with the other hand. No matter how light a standard shaped laptop is, it won't work well for that application. But it is a gorgeous turquoise color, so there's that.

I'm intrigued, though, by the new convertible touchscreen laptops that can be configured into a tablet by folding back or removing the keyboard "lap" part. Anyone have good results with one of those? They seem like they might be the best of both worlds... a full size keyboard when you need it and a touchscreen tablet when you don't.

@CaliGirl925 wrote:

I've had nothing to contribute to this thread, but just wanted to take a minute to thank you for starting it. I'm considering a tablet by the end of the year, and this has been an interesting read.

I can say that I have a Chromebook. It's awesome, and I love it. But I don't think it replaces a tablet. It is *very* lightweight, but for audits you likely need something you can hold in one hand a enter data with the other hand. No matter how light a standard shaped laptop is, it won't work well for that application. But it is a gorgeous turquoise color, so there's that.

I'm intrigued, though, by the new convertible touchscreen laptops that can be configured into a tablet by folding back or removing the keyboard "lap" part. Anyone have good results with one of those? They seem like they might be the best of both worlds... a full size keyboard when you need it and a touchscreen tablet when you don't.

i recently bought a microsoft surface pro 3 (2-in-1...laptop and tablet) and it's verrry good. portable, detachable keyboard with lots of memory and hi-capacity storage) and very powerful (i5 processor). also has an s-pen so you can draw on the tablet, make notes and then store the notes which is very handy. i use it as my only computer as it is more than capable to use it as a desktop. the detachable keyboard is a full-size one not a tiny one. they are not inexpensive, tho and the keyboard is an extra $125. I strongly suggest not buying from big box stores like best buy, etc. because they come with a lot of bloatware and i'm not a fan of programs like clean sweep, etc (i have had issues with clean sweep, btw). i added microsoft office (word + power point + outlook, etc). i suggest buying directly from a microsoft store or online from them as they offer 24/7 support and training which is free.

anyway that's my hot take on this subject.

Birdy, I love my iPad 2. It's dying, but still gets the job done.

I want a mini, because writing reports on the pad I have, is obnoxious. My current pad loves the word 'irregardless'. Makes me slightly nuts. So you will have to train your pad.

I only want the mini because it will fit in all of my purses

Get something that tethers to your phone. I used my iPad all of last month and I still didn't go over my 2K in data allowed to each member of the family.

I love the iPad because it's user friendly.

drooling

@parkcitybrian wrote:

i recently bought a microsoft surface pro 3 (2-in-1...laptop and tablet) and it's verrry good. portable, detachable keyboard with lots of memory and hi-capacity storage) and very powerful (i5 processor). also has an s-pen so you can draw on the tablet, make notes and then store the notes which is very handy. i use it as my only computer as it is more than capable to use it as a desktop. the detachable keyboard is a full-size one not a tiny one. they are not inexpensive, tho and the keyboard is an extra $125. I strongly suggest not buying from big box stores like best buy, etc. because they come with a lot of bloatware and i'm not a fan of programs like clean sweep, etc (i have had issues with clean sweep, btw). i added microsoft office (word + power point + outlook, etc). i suggest buying directly from a microsoft store or online from them as they offer 24/7 support and training which is free.

anyway that's my hot take on this subject.

@BirdyC wrote:

@nhgirl1970 wrote:

I just bought an RCA Viking Pro (wifi only) with a keyboard for $99. I really like it so far. It has a 10 inch screen. I took it with me on vacation last week and did reports from it. Other than getting used to the small keyboard, it was fine.

This sounds like a possibility. Do you know if it comes in a data-plan-compatible version, too? I'd pay extra for that. We don't have good wi-fi around here, so I have to use my cell data plan a lot. I like the idea of the larger screen and that it has a keyboard. I have an old Windows phone with a slide-out keyboard that I don't use as a phone anymore, but I bring it with me as back-up when I shop--and I still love having that tiny "real" keyboard! Much easier for me than the virtual keyboards.

I have one too, and just a word of warning. They come in both Windows and Android. Make sure you get Android as more and more companies are coming out with apps and they most likely won't be in the Windows format. I really like mine though, and I like the tiny detachable keyboard. I can grab a coffee at McDonalds, use their wifi and do my reports on the road if I want. It's a good use of time between shops.

I have a Galaxy Tab 4 8" that I sometimes use for audits. It is easier to type on than a phone. I can get cell service for it if I want to. I use wifi right now. I second cooldude's advice about making sure you get an Andoid tablet with full access to the Play Store, otherwise, you are at the mercy of the manufacturer regarding what apps you can downdoad. I would also recommend getting one that can use cell service. Wifi-only models are cheaper. On the road, however, wifi can be unreliable. I stopped somewhere that had free wifi to consult my pdf instructions recently and couldn't get a strong enough signal to download the file. It is nice to have the option of cell service even if you don't want to get the service at first. Or, if the service for your cell phone allows you to make your phone a hotspot, you could do that.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/01/2016 11:49PM by christinereed.

I got the Samsung galaxy note pro, it was not cheap but I wanted it for multiple reasons. The defining reason was I started doing the best buy audits and you really need a good tablet for those. But as long as i was buying a tablet I wanted to make sure it was one i could use for everything I wanted. I wanted a tablet that didn't attach to a really small keyboard. The note pro is a 12.2" screen. Some people would find that too big for them but for me I love it. It's just barely small enough to stay portable and do everything I need it to as a tablet while also having the benefit of everything that comes with the bigger screen.

Benefit #1: the keyboard that attaches to the note pro has normal size keys like a regular keyboard. I can not begin to tell you how amazing this is for writing narratives. I HATE using digital keyboards for typing. It's fine if I need to enter one or two words or a product name or something but when you need to type up a narrative paragraph I pull out the keyboard and set the tablet on and boom it's just like a laptop

Benefit #2: the 12.2" screen is just big enough to suffice for watching netflix and other videos. This is great when I'm travelling (which is usually for a route of mystery shops)

Benefit #3: the galaxy note pro is one of the very few tablets that has split screen capability. I can have my guidelines and my report up at the same time on the same screen and refer back and forth on the same screen. And the 12.2" screen means that even the two smaller size screens are still as big as viewing each on a smaller sized tablet. Additionally the note pro can go as far as four split screens. So if you need to have your email up or pictures or something else you can have all of that up in split screen without needing to close or hide anything.

Benefit #4: the note pro has a built in stylus so when I need manager signatures I just pop it out and it just comes off way more professional then telling them to sign with their finger.

Benefit #5: you're never going to run into compatability issues with viewing Pdfss or any kind of files. The note pro is a champ I have never once had it tell me that a file was incompatible to view or anything like that.

Benefit #6: it has a faux leather back. This actually comes in handy much more then for looks. The regular galaxy note 12.2" only has the solid back which slides very easily. The faux leather stays in place so easily. I can't begin to tell you how many times the faux leather has saved my tablet from taking a doomed plunge to the ground, especially while conducting audits.

Benefit #7: If you ever take classes or anything where you need to take notes from someone writing on a board. The galaxy note pro has this amazing feature where you can take a picture of the board and it will convert it into a typed page, it actually does a really good job doing that too......except when it comes to math notes.

Anyway as you can tell I love my note pro, highly recommend even though its on the more expensive side. In my peronal opinion I find that the cheaper tablet don't last very long or are too restrictive to be able to do what you need them to efficiently. My one and only gripe with my note pro is the camera quality. I see these pictures from the samsung phones and they're amazingly great...but the note pro quality isn't even close to as good as the samsung phones and I don't get why. Don't get me wrong the quality is fine it's just not spectacular. If you don't know what I'm talking about go to your nearest cellphone store and find a working samsung S7. Take a picture of some type of writing really far away. Go to the picture and zoom in and you'll see how spectacular that camera is. If my note pro's camera was like that it would be the perfect device because that camera would make price auditing a breeze!

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/02/2016 07:04AM by 1JJ.