Wizard’s Guide to Choosing a Tablet in 2014: Lessons Learned and Insights
In the notebook known as 2014, my goal was to purchase a tablet that would uplift my academic and professional endeavors. The ability to take notes, read complex material, and write papers were at the top of my list. As such, the SAMSUNG Galaxy Tab S T705 Wi-Fi 4G 8.4 was explored to see if it could meet my needs. However, after careful consideration, I decided to veer off into the realm of what would ultimately become the Surface Pro 3—a decision that would transform how I approach both work and leisure. Let’s delve into the journey that led to this choice.
Exploring the Options: Galaxy Note Pro and Surface Pro 3
Firstly, the quest for a suitable tablet led me to research the compendium of options. Amongst the contenders, I settled on the GALAXY Note Pro 10.1 (2014) and the 12.2 Note Pro 2014, alongside the Surface Pro 3. The choice between these three was driven by a myriad of factors:
Factor 1: Gaming Ecosystem
One of the first considerations was the importance of an app ecosystem. As a non-gamer, the significance of a vibrant app market was diminished in comparison to other features.
Factor 2: Office Productivity
My main objective as a graduate student required the ability to view and manipulate Office documents. The HANCOM Office raised some interest, but I ultimately preferred the comprehensive Microsoft Office suite, all accessible for a student price. This offered an advantage with 1 TB of One Drive storage, enhancing my digital filing system.
Factor 3: Note-taking
Note-taking was essential, and the Microsoft stylus with 256 levels of pressure sensitivity took the cake over the Samsung alternatives. The feel of a real pen is irreplaceable for note-taking, and the pressure sensitivity ensured precision.
Factor 4: Keyboard and Hardware
The keyboard of the Surface Pro 3 was truly a revelation. It surpassed the capabilities of my other laptop keyboard, with its backlit functionality and effortless typing. The touchpad also worked well, contributing to a seamless user experience. Although purchasing the keyboard separately required, the investment was well worth it.
Factor 5: Display Quality
The display of the Surface Pro 3 was outstanding, especially for reading and browsing. Its aesthetics and visual quality made it a joy to use, enhancing both work and leisure time.
Factor 6: OneNote Integration
The integration with OneNote was a game-changer. The convenience of using the stylus to access OneNote and the ability to split the screen with Kindle textbooks were invaluable features. This setup significantly boosted my productivity and organizational skills.
From Research to Purchase: The Surface Pro 3
Given these factors, the Surface Pro 3 was the clear winner. For me, it was a true alternative to a laptop, seamlessly blending the worlds of work and leisure. Its versatility and elegance made it an unequivocal choice. Though I still keep a smaller 8-inch tablet for casual use, this one has become my go-to for anything serious.
The iPad Air 2: An Evolving Decision
While my journey culminated with the Surface Pro 3, another contender soon entered my realm. The iPad Air 2 caught my eye as a potential successor. Although I had no pressing need for an iPad, the allure of the Apple ecosystem was undeniable. The decision to ultimately buy the IPad Air stems from its seamless integration with iOS and the satisfaction of aligning with my primary device choices, which were predominantly Android.
Conclusion
From the vast expanse of options available in 2014, the Surface Pro 3 and the iPad Air 2 emerged as the front-runners. My journey ultimately guided me towards the Surface Pro 3, a choice that has served me well ever since. The Ultimate Conclusion is that choosing the right tablet requires a deep understanding of your specific needs, a factor-driven decision-making process, and a willingness to adapt to the changing landscape of technology.
Would you have chosen differently? Share your insights in the comments below!