Hi Sharon!
Originally Posted by
SkiAdcock
But which of the 8.9s to get? I was thinking the one that's wifi only, as my travel is not as much as it used to be in the past & just accessing free wifi or wifi in the hotel room w/ code or airport or my home Uverse wifi would be fine. But if you all think the reasons for going w/ the 4G are there, I'm willing to consider that as well.
Note, when I buy something I have a tendency to keep it forever vs. buying the latest new thing every 6 months like some of you. So if it makes sense to get 4G straight out vs discovering a few months down the line that I wish I had it, I'd do that. I'm also thinking the 32GB model is probably all I'd need vs. 64 based on my usage, but again dependent upon what you all say.
Here's what I think I'd use it for: checking email, surfing the net (aka, FT, CNN, TMZ, etc, etc), watching Prime films/tv shows, Skype. Would also like to be able to do word docs & some other office type things (powerpoint, excel - is that possible?).
I was going to suggest the 7" WiFi model, as the 16GB and $199 makes it a why-not-spend-the-money-instead-of-going-out-to-dinner-a-couple-of-times-no-brainer, but I see that you need 32GB and want the 8.9" model. This means you have a choice of the 32GB WiFi model for $369 or the 32GB 4G model for $499. Between those two at that price, it might be worth it to get the 4G model and see how much you use it for the first year at the $49/yr basic plan level.
Does it make sense for any of these tablet devices to fully replace laptops, or are they capable of doing so - programs, apps, connectivity to printers, etc?
I don't think you're going to like any tablet for content creation.
As long as we're talking electronics, I do need to replace my laptop (HP running Vista) unless somehow the tablets are the 2nd coming & I won't need one anymore. I use my laptop as my primary computer in home office/on the road. Does it make sense to get a W7 one or wait until W8?
Since you're not a device-of-the-month gal, I recommend waiting two months to see what everyone says about W8. I'm sure at that point your choice will be obvious - plus W7 stuff will be dirt cheap.
I've got a Nokia E71. I like the keyboard, but have screen envy of the iPhone. The E71 works fine, but it seems the iPhone is easier to use (note, I hate the touchscreen keys of the iPhone even in landscape/sideways mode, as it takes 7 tries to type a single sentence - and I have slender fingers). And it seems like FTers seem to do things faster/have more apps, etc, on the iPhone. I know the Nokia 920 is coming out in a few months. Also, someone suggested I get a Samsung that has a keyboard that slides out.
What carrier do you have and do you want to stick with them? Basically, I'd recommend looking at an Android phone with a sliding keyboard.
BTW, if you get a great Android phone with a good browser and 4G, you may find yourself reconsidering your need for the 4G Kindle. Get a phone with a nice big screen that fits in your hand and get the WiFi Kindle.
-mark