Computer geeks, help me out please

[muldrick]

I bought the Acer A500 with the Android software.
Not quite doing it for me. (software)

I'm thinking I really need/want a Windows 7 tablet.
I do want to stick with a tablet.

So I was looking this Intel Atom on eBay here.
Yes? No?

I need the functionality of a regular PC but want a tablet. Prefer to stay under $500.

Suggestions please?

 

[muldrick]

Or this?
ACER ICONIA TAB W500 WINDOWS 7 TABLET 32GB WIFI | eBay

 

[muldrick]

This one sounds great with the Windows 7 AND Android, great price too.
But it actually sound to good to be true.
I mean, 320 Gig HD, 2GB Ram AND 3G for 360 bucks? My momma said, "if it sounds to good.....it is"

 

[oly_r]

My $.02

I would avoid the last one you posted, if it is dual OS windows and android, Viewsonic tried a dual boot tablet and it has HORRIBLE reviews. I think though that it might be a mistake in the ad since the specs only show Windows 7. The first one you posted looks ok except for the seller so you don't know exactly what it is (or what support). For the Acer i would recommend going through tigerdirect Acer ICONIA W500-BZ467 LE.RK602.047 Tablet PC - AMD Dual-Core C-50 1.0GHz, 2GB DDR3, 32GB SSD, 10.1 Multi-Touch Display, Windows 7 Home Premium 32-bit, Dual Webcams, Docking Keyboard at TigerDirect.com. This one does look pretty good.

You might want to wait for this one: Newegg.com - ASUS Eee PC T101MT-EU37-BK Tablet PC Intel Atom N570(1.66GHz) 10.1" Wide SVGA 1GB Memory DDR3 1066 250GB HDD 5400rpm Intel GMA 3150
I has good pre-release reviews. and has a new design for tablet / laptop combo that incorporates a full keyboard for when you are typing a bit more.

For me personally, i prefer dealing with established sellers for these types of purchases. You may have had great luck with ebay but i would stick to regular sellers even if it cost a bit more.

 

[muldrick]

Yes, I agree. I'll stay away from eBay in this type of stuff.
Glad I posted here, glad you put up that Asus Eee, looks like a nice unit and I can upgrade to 2 Gig RAM.
I was set on that Acer W, but this one looks a little better. I like the fold-down reverse screen.

I returned the a500.
Think I'm gonna wait though, for Windows 8. Apparently it is TS friendly.
My current laptop screen goes black once in a while, not a good sign, but I'm going to try and hold up until W8 comes out. (pre-loaded)

 

[oly_r]

The screen goes black, but it comes back? Have you looked at the systems events logs to see if there are any warning or error level messages.

To get to events view right click on the my computer icon and select manage. Under the system tools option then windows logs you should see several headings. Click on system and look for yellow or red entries.

 

[muldrick]

You sure you want to get involved with this?
In Computer Management>System Tools I only see Event Viewer.
It has many errors
Image below

 

[incantius]

FWIW if the logo has Acer on it...run the other way. Acer is the cheapest crap-ware on the market for any PC/Tablet/electronic device made. can't really speak to the Asus Eee. but Asus does produce some good quality hardware so I'd guess that it would be a good device but i can't definitely say on their PCs/tablets.

 

[VictoryNotVengence]

alls i know from working for a tech reseller is that Acer is crap. And lenovo is quality at a low price. If lenovo makes a tablet I'd say get that one.

 

[skullfreak]

apple rule's my house.

 

[incantius]

lenovo is a good manufacturer (they bought the thinkpad from IBM years ago and improved on it) as far as Apple goes...it's a good product but be aware that they aren't as secure & "virus-free" as people think they are. since Apple's OSes are based on a variant/hybrid of Unix all of those points of failure are susceptible to attack/exploitation. Apple's best security feature is obscurity but that is slowly fading into the sunset. As Apple continues to grow market share they will become a much more attractive target to hackers, etc.

 

[Scottitude]

I'm currently "testing" the A500 running Win7 for my I.T. Dept. I have an older Asus RF1 so I'm more familiar with tablet PCs than they are.

For a touchscreen tablet, it's decent, not spectacular, but it's a good value for the price. It runs full versions of MS. Office, has HDMI output, enough USB ports, and an Ethernet connection.

Biggest downside is you cannot "ink" effectively. The handwriting recognition is the best I've ever seen but you are limited to using your fingertip or a "capacitative stylus" that's like writing with fat chalk. It makes OneNote virtually useless.

If you need to ink and take handwritten notes, look at something else but if you want a reasonably priced reasonably efficient Windows touchscreen tablet, it may serve you well.

Hope this helps.

-- Sent from my Palm Pre using Forums

 

[oly_r]

Ok Rick i can't see much from that pic but you should be able to expand the Error category by clicking on the [+] in the Summary of Administrative Events. I should have asked what OS your laptop is running, my guess was vista. I doubt there is going to be much that can be done to fix it but i was just trying to help you see if there was anything being reported by the OS. Between the error log described above and the hardware events category (we'll get here in a sec) maybe you can see something.

In the left panel of the Computer Management screen under the Event viewer category expand the Applications and Sevices logs option. You should then see a Hardware Events category. When you select this see if you have anything listed. I've attached a couple pics just to make sure i'm being clear about where the entries are. Others may very well have things to add but i would be happy to send you a pm with my email address and continue this outside the forum.

 

[muldrick]

Running Windose 7

It shows zero hardware events.

I'm actually thinking it's a "conflict" between the laptop and my magnetic bracelist

 

[oly_r]

Oh well, too bad your not a bit closer i can't help test anything like that


Good luck.

 

[muldrick]

Funny, I was just responding. Laid my wrist on keyboard, part of magnet bracelet touched keyboard...screen went black for 2 seconds, then came back like nothing happened.
I guess it's time to take this bracelet off and see if this continous. Will let you know.

Thanks for the help.
Gonna wait for Windows 8 anyway. It also seems like tablets may be the next "craze" so I might as well wait to see what new models they come up with.