Looking for a new tablet

[Big Boy]

All sorted, thank you. I had my niece in the UK create a fake UK account for me, and yes, ITVX is giving the illusion of working as well

[Scout]

I just read this thread, from the beginning, for the first time. BB, Glad you got everything sorted and the new tablet is working well. I’ll be interested to follow if the new Uk account or region settings result in the applications your looking for becoming available so you can download / install.

I figured it out eventually but the informal names and descriptions of the various types of USB connectors, ports and cables confused me at first. Here is a link (there are many out there) that explains the various USB types, shapes and why some only support low speed data transfer and charging speeds while others support much faster speeds and rates.

https://www.szapphone.com/blog/usb-conn ... pes-guide/

[Big Boy]

I’ll be interested to follow if the new Uk account or region settings result in the applications your looking for becoming available so you can download / install.

Yes, as soon as I switched to the account my niece created for me, and switched to UK on my VPN, I immediately found and downloaded iPlayer and itvX. Both have worked faultlessly for me so far, although the test hasn't been extensive.

[pharvey]

It's been a while now BB, but how are you getting on with the Samsung? I'm starting to look for something "new" and perhaps a more mobile/slightly smaller screen than I currently have, with the added facility of a (Data) SIM. I've always been a fan of Samsung (aside from prices of mobiles).

So, a year or so in - what are the pro's and cons in your book? Is it holding up?

[Big Boy]

I'm delighted with it for the limited use it gets, Primarily, it is used for watching previously downloaded movies when I'm on the road.

I've loaded my VPN, and it's also good for streaming UK TV.

It has an excellent screen, much larger than my old model, which I can view in sunlight, and the sound is excellent.

Basically, it isn't overworked, but it does everything that I need to do, and it does it all very well.

[pharvey]

^ Thanks for that BB

I'm guessing you may get some use out of the Data SIM whilst on the road - obviously not talking about Data Providers as such as I'm in the UK, but have you had any issues on that front?

[Big Boy]

I'm baffled by the data SIM question. Is it something I mentioned previously and have forgotten?

If I need data, I simply switch on my phone's hot spot, and I have virtually limitless data that way. No issues streaming or accessing other Internet sites whilst on the road.

[pharvey]

I'm baffled by the data SIM question. Is it something I mentioned previously and have forgotten?

Sorry, my bad - I had it in my mind that it had a SIM slot which it obviously doesn't. Still, it's getting some very good reviews and as the LHG keeps reminding me, I have little choice but to carry my mobile (which can be used as a "Hotspot"), as my mobile is the only way Rugby Referees, Royalty and Political Leaders can contact me for urgent and much needed advice..... She seems I think I'm a know-it-all and shouting at the television is a Welsh form of communication much needed..... Anywho, thanks for the clarification.

[Big Boy]

It definitely has a SIM slot, but I don't bother with it. My phone's hot spot is quite powerful, and more than adequate.

At the end of the day, it is just a giant smart phone, but you'd need very large pockets to use it as a phone.

[pharvey]

[EDIT] Though there isn't a SIM slot in the A9+ in the UK. I've seen the 128GB available at +/- £240 which suits me.

[buksida]

Mrs Buksi has been hinting at getting a tablet since reading on the phone is becoming a chore (especially with our failing eyes!) We could use it for watching movies or TV series when on the road and I'd also like to use it as an e-reader to replace my aging Kindle (if she lets me have a go).

Think I'll avoid Samsung due to charging/ports/connection/compatibility issues documented here, and have been looking at the Xiaomi Redmi Pad SE, which weighs in at under 7,000 baht for the 8+256 11" model (cheaper on those discount days).

Has anyone used a tablet to replace a dedicated e-reader (are they just as easy on the eyes and compatible with standard e-book formats)?

[Dannie Boy]

I’ve never used an e-reader so can’t speak personally, but I’ve read many times that something like a kindle is meant to be much better on the eyes, but I get by using an iPad tablet.

[joelle]

As my old Kindle failed me, battery not charging anymore, I download all the books on my Samsung tablet and it's perfect for reading for most type of eyes as you can change the size of the letters to suit you.

[buksida]

It's not the letter size I'm concerned about, it's the blue light that phones/tablets emit, but e-readers and e-ink don't (and e-book format compatibility.) We may need two devices

[joelle]

I have the e-book format and no blue light