Ask Slashdot: Using a Tablet As a Sole Computing Device? 417
cashman73 writes "My mother's six year old desktop computer finally bit the dust due to an electrical surge. It's out-of-warranty, and not really worth fixing. Plus, I'm 2,500 miles and two time zones away, so I can't exactly troubleshoot things from here. I recently got a new tablet, and even 80% of the things I do are done easier with it. Plus, she really likes the size, convenience, portability, and the screen. Virtually everything she does is simple web browsing, email, light photo sharing but no heavy editing, and other simple tasks. We're thinking that using a tablet as her sole 'computer' might be the best solution here. What are other Slashdotter's experiences using tablets without a separate desktop computer?"
Tablet +1 funny (Score:4, Funny)
Get her two tablets, gift-wrapped.
First, present her with one of those small personal-sized chalkboard tablets 1st graders use (with a piece of chalk for a stylus). Demonstrate how to use it as a word-processor, reader, and calculator. This shouldn't cost you more than $10, assuming you don't get the "Monster Cable" brand piece of chalk.
Once the laughs are over, present her with a real tablet.
Post the video of her using the "old school" tablet to YouTube.
Re:Using a tablet... (Score:5, Funny)
Dear sir, I'm an organic farmer from Idaho. My colleagues and I are currently looking for reasonably priced fertilizer for our fields and I've noticed from your post that you have an over abundance of Bull Shit. Will you be interested in selling some of it to us? We will pay for shipping. In fact I believe you are so full of Bull Shit that there will be enough for the entire state, and if you're looking for a distributor I'd be happy to discuss that with you.
Put in another way, there's nothing un-ergonomic about tablets. They're no different than books, paper pads, or chalkboards: you can hold them up, lay them on a table, on an angled stand, any way you like, while sitting, standing, or lying down. And since you're not forced to use them in any particular place or position, there are absolutely no ergonomic issues with tablets.
Re:Chromebook (Score:5, Funny)
What have fish got to do with it?
Re:To me (Score:5, Funny)
some ases that he hasn't thought of
keyboard would be amost mandatory
Let me guess. You either typed this response on a tablet screen or a Bluetooth keyboard.
Re:Chromebook (Score:1, Funny)
She needs the works (Score:5, Funny)
Your mother doesn't need anything too complicated. I would suggest you go for at least a 6-core Core i7 3.5GHz Extreme CPU, overclocked dual GTU 690 512-bit HDCP-ready GPU, hi-fi 24-bit sound card with DTS, 32GB DDR3 RAM, 80plus 1500W modular power supply, 140mm copper quiet bearing CPU cooler, twin-turbine blue LED case fans, 500GB SATA III 120,000 IOPS SSD drive, 16x BDXL Blu-ray burner, dual 2560 x 1600 350 cd/m2 1000:1 30" display, USB macro-programmable gaming keyboard, Razer 17-button wireless mouse, and a classy mid-tower computer case. Don't forget COD Black Ops and Assassin's Creed to help her pass the time.
I don't think a simple tablet will do.