Samsung Galaxy 8.4 or Ipad Mini with Retina?

[DefCon1]

So am looking to buy a tablet for myself because I want to use it for web browsing, storing some powerpoint presentations and ebooks along with photos, songs and movies. I need it for productivity, entertainment and also the convenience of carrying something more portable than a laptop.

So I wanted you guys opinions on wether I should buy Samsung Galaxy tab pro 8.4 or Ipad Mini with Retina display?

Battery life, LTE bands and longevity (in terms of updates and quality) are also important factors to me. Am a bit torn on which ones I should pick since both have their positives and negatives. So which tablet have you guys used and you think it is the best?

Please state your reasons since am trying to pick the best tablet and am not a fan of one or the other. I

[drummer4now]

IMO you should get an iPad and not because of the whole Apple cliche.. I know from personal experience that android can be glitchy and unreliable sometimes. If you like apps then most major apps are iOS supported. Also never buy electronics from stores like Futureshop because they charge markup. Try eBay or Craigslist instead. Since Apple has a 1 year warranty if theres something wrong within that timeframe you can send it back to them and they basically give you a brand new one for free. I have done this many times with iPhones and iPads. Just buy a used iPad mini or whatever and send back to Apple and say theres an issue, and they give you an new one no questions asked.

This eBay site has cheap iPad's: http://stores.ebay.ca/SurplusByDesign/Laptops-/_i.html?_nkw=ipad&submit=Search&_fsub=996070010&_sid=679161510

Some are brand new others are used or broken, but you can return them to Apple.

Depending if it has the 1 year warranty though.

If you're a student then you get a discount at the Apple Store I believe.

[PlayStation]

IMO you should get an iPad and not because of the whole Apple cliche.. I know from personal experience that android can be glitchy and unreliable sometimes. If you like apps then most major apps are iOS supported. Also never buy electronics from stores like Futureshop because they charge markup. Try eBay or Craigslist instead. Since Apple has a 1 year warranty if theres something wrong within that timeframe you can send it back to them and they basically give you a brand new one for free. I have done this many times with iPhones and iPads. Just buy a used iPad mini or whatever and send back to Apple and say theres an issue, and they give you an new one no questions asked.

This eBay site has cheap iPad's: http://stores.ebay.ca/SurplusByDesign/Laptops-/_i.html?_nkw=ipad&submit=Search&_fsub=996070010&_sid=679161510

Some are brand new others are used or broken, but you can return them to Apple.

If you're a student then you get a discount at the Apple Store I believe.

You cannot just send in random broken iPads. They check if its within the 1 year warranty period + they dont cover physical damages, unless you bought Apple Care.

But yeah my iPad is great, completely took over my time at the computer. It's amazing, and super reliable. 2nd gen iPad going as strong as ever. Thats one of the great things about Apple products, they always stay working like brand new.

[Offensive Threat]

you can send it back to them and they basically give you a brand new one for free. I have done this many times with iPhones and iPads. Just buy a used iPad mini or whatever and send back to Apple and say theres an issue, and they give you an new one no questions asked.

Youve had to return Apple products "many times" and you still recommend them?

I own a Galaxy tab and a Old Acer A500. Never had a problem with glitches or reliability on either of them.

Why the 8.4" over the 10.1"? I dont see the point in the smaller size. Its not like its more portable or anything. Bigger screen is bigger screen.

[drummer4now]

You cannot just send in random broken iPads. They check if its within the 1 year warranty period + they dont cover physical damages, unless you bought Apple Care.

But yeah my iPad is great, completely took over my time at the computer. It's amazing, and super reliable. 2nd gen iPad going as strong as ever. Thats one of the great things about Apple products, they always stay working like brand new.

What I meant is he can't just send in a broken iPad with a busted screen, but you can say the buttons aren't working properly or the touchscreen is off. They usually check to make if your telling the truth, but 99% they give you a replacement. Just requires talking to customer support. Apple Care is only useful for after 1 year period and for battery repair.

[drummer4now]

Youve had to return Apple products "many times" and you still recommend them?

I own a Galaxy tab and a Old Acer A500. Never had a problem with glitches or reliability on either of them.

Why the 8.4" over the 10.1"? I dont see the point in the smaller size. Its not like its more portable or anything. Bigger screen is bigger screen.

I only return them when I buy them used. Often times theres nothing wrong with them internally aside from cosmetic damage. I have never been denied a replacement. Its basically cheaper for them to give a refurbished almost brand new iPad than to repair the original.

[CanuckofSteel]

I personally prefer the iPad mainly because I'm really comfortable with the user interface, iTunes, and I have always had good experiences with Apple products. We have an iPad 2 in my house and it's good. I don't use it really because have my own iPhone but I really enjoy using it as I don't have to familiarize myself with anything really.

We had the the Galaxy Tablet at one point also, but my dad returned it because it would lag a lot and it would just feel awkward. My dad has a Surface tablet though which is also pretty good.

Now I'm expecting Pouria to come in and disprove everything I just said and tell you how awful Apple products are.

[drummer4now]

I personally prefer the iPad mainly because I'm really comfortable with the user interface, iTunes, and I have always had good experiences with Apple products. We have an iPad 2 in my house and it's good. I don't use it really because have my own iPhone but I really enjoy using it as I don't have to familiarize myself with anything really.

We had the the Galaxy Tablet at one point also, but my dad returned it because it would lag a lot and it would just feel awkward. My dad has a Surface tablet though which is also pretty good.

Now I'm expecting Pouria to come in and disprove everything I just said and tell you how awful Apple products are.

He's banned now..

[DefCon1]

Youve had to return Apple products "many times" and you still recommend them?

I own a Galaxy tab and a Old Acer A500. Never had a problem with glitches or reliability on either of them.

Why the 8.4" over the 10.1"? I dont see the point in the smaller size. Its not like its more portable or anything. Bigger screen is bigger screen.

I just feel more comfortable holding the 8.4" and it is more pocketable than a 10.1". Although bigger screen is better but I will be carrying the tablet outside and bringing it to work and school everyday. It just seems like the right size for me even though I do like the bigger screen of 10.1". LTE bands are also important to me since I do travel a lot due to business or vacation and I would need a tablet that has a wide range of LTE bands that can support LTE in Americas, Europe and Asia.

[CanuckofSteel]

He's banned now..

Are you serious?! WOW!

I guess we should have a celebration CDC now! Aw Yeah!!

[King Heffy]

For around the same size, the Nexus 7 is a great deal. Great resolution and no iTunes to deal with (NOT a fan of how the software works).

You don't need LTE on a tablet. Just use your cell as a WiFi hotspot and save yourself some cash.

[peaches5]

I only return them when I buy them used. Often times theres nothing wrong with them internally aside from cosmetic damage. I have never been denied a replacement. Its basically cheaper for them to give a refurbished almost brand new iPad than to repair the original.

Okay just stop you cannot buy a used apple product whatever it might be return it to apple and have them give you a brand new one. You need proof of purchase and then it needs to be under warranty and then it cant be damage that is caused by you like dropping it. There is a reason why everyone walks around with broken iphones.

What they cover is things that malfunction with the phone within the 1 year period, which is pretty rare. Now there are some places out there that will open up your phone, ipad etc for you and turn off the wifi which you then can take the apple store and say your phone is malfunctioning and the wifi doesn't work but if they see any indication the phone has been opened the warranty will be voided.

[DefCon1]

For around the same size, the Nexus 7 is a great deal. Great resolution and no iTunes to deal with (NOT a fan of how the software works).

You don't need LTE on a tablet. Just use your cell as a WiFi hotspot and save yourself some cash.

My cell doesn't have LTE and it would drain my phone's battery pretty fast if I used it as a wifi hot spot. I also need LTE since the places I will go won't have WiFi or will have less than a reliable WiFi. Nexus 7 also seems a bit small for my liking. an 8 inch screen seems to be the sweet spot for me. I don't mind iTunes since I do have a Mac although I would hate to do conversions for movies. Samsung tab pro 8.4 seems like a good tablet but unfortunately I can't find the LTE version in any stores here. Unless you guys know where I could get it in store instead of buying it online from ebay.

[drummer4now]

Okay just stop you cannot buy a used apple product whatever it might be return it to apple and have them give you a brand new one. You need proof of purchase and then it needs to be under warranty and then it cant be damage that is caused by you like dropping it. There is a reason why everyone walks around with broken iphones.

What they cover is things that malfunction with the phone within the 1 year period, which is pretty rare. Now there are some places out there that will open up your phone, ipad etc for you and turn off the wifi which you then can take the apple store and say your phone is malfunctioning and the wifi doesn't work but if they see any indication the phone has been opened the warranty will be voided.

Did you not read all my posts?... I said you can't just return a broken iPad with physical damage... You don't need proof of purchase with apple this isn't Futureshop or best buy we are talking about. If the product is still covered under the 1 year APPLE warranty you can request service for it, and 99% they give you a replacement. All it requires is a quick conversation with customer support and checking if they serial number is still valid. They don't even ask for receipts or proof of ownership.

Cosmetic damage is not covered under the warranty, but internal is. Most of time you can just say theres a problem with the touchscreen or something and they give you a replacement.

For example, This used iPad mini is for sale. I guarantee you could get a replacement for it, if its still covered by warranty.

http://www.usedvictoria.com/classified-ad/16g-Black-ipad-mini--Great-condition--Comes-w-charger-and-red-smart-cover_21917226

If you need further proof like my service statements just ask away bud.. I have a long history of receiving replacements.

[Mr. Ambien]

Is the 8.4 the new Note mini tablet? If it's less pixelated than the 8 and has LTE, I'd say go for it. The only reason to bother with iOS devices is if you're just a layman who wants your device UI as Apple tells you to have it. Sure, jailbreaking is easy and in most cases safe, but customization and control over your own device without bricking is far easier done on Android (without rooting). If control over your own device isn't a big deal, then you'll get a better deal with the iPad. Otherwise, I find Android (i..e the Note here) to be far more catering to my fanaticism for customization and control over my device. (hence why I've had a Note 3)

[Offensive Threat]

I just feel more comfortable holding the 8.4" and it is more pocketable than a 10.1".

My feeling is that if it wont fit in your jeans pocket anyways it doesnt matter that its a little bigger. Have to carry it in a backpack or bag so why not use the bigger one. Just looking at them instore it makes no sense to me to get the smaller one. Maybe it doesnt bother me cuzz I have big hands? I dunno.

But its your tablet. Whatever works for you. They sell millions of the 8.4s so someone loves em.

[DefCon1]

My feeling is that if it wont fit in your jeans pocket anyways it doesnt matter that its a little bigger. Have to carry it in a backpack or bag so why not use the bigger one. Just looking at them instore it makes no sense to me to get the smaller one. Maybe it doesnt bother me cuzz I have big hands? I dunno.

But its your tablet. Whatever works for you. They sell millions of the 8.4s so someone loves em.

I feel 8.4 or 8 inch tablet are perfect size because I can hold it easier and I would not get tired holding it while reading a book, whether on the bus or the sky train. Although I do like the screen size of bigger tablets, so am kind of torn...lol

[ScottyJ]

Did you not read all my posts?... I said you can't just return a broken iPad with physical damage... You don't need proof of purchase with apple this isn't Futureshop or best buy we are talking about. If the product is still covered under the 1 year APPLE warranty you can request service for it, and 99% they give you a replacement. All it requires is a quick conversation with customer support and checking if they serial number is still valid. They don't even ask for receipts or proof of ownership.

Cosmetic damage is not covered under the warranty, but internal is. Most of time you can just say theres a problem with the touchscreen or something and they give you a replacement.

For example, This used iPad mini is for sale. I guarantee you could get a replacement for it, if its still covered by warranty.

http://www.usedvictoria.com/classified-ad/16g-Black-ipad-mini--Great-condition--Comes-w-charger-and-red-smart-cover_21917226

If you need further proof like my service statements just ask away bud.. I have a long history of receiving replacements.

You're partially correct. You can take a used device to Apple and say "I have a problem with my device" and take it to them. You will get a new unit even if it's cosmetically damaged, but they're giving you a refurbished unit. It's not a brand new one, it's one that required a major repair. If you're under manufacturer warranty and it wasn't cosmetically damaged, you pay nothing. If it was cosmetically damaged, or you're out of manufacturer warranty, you pay $110.

[drummer4now]

You're partially correct. You can take a used device to Apple and say "I have a problem with my device" and take it to them. You will get a new unit even if it's cosmetically damaged, but they're giving you a refurbished unit. It's not a brand new one, it's one that required a major repair. If you're under manufacturer warranty and it wasn't cosmetically damaged, you pay nothing. If it was cosmetically damaged, or you're out of manufacturer warranty, you pay $110.

I agree I should have stated refurbished but its basically brand new.. I see no differences to them.

[ScottyJ]

Externally you couldn't tell the difference between a refurbished unit and a brand new one, the difference is in the internal workings of the device.

The units are stress tested to last one year, as a result so are the parts inside the unit. Refurbished units take parts from previously used products, and are inserted to replace the defective/broken piece. If you think about it that part has potentially been running significantly longer than the other components inside your product, and therefore has a higher likelyhood of going defective. That's why refurbished units are usually only covered for 3 months or less, instead of the one year or longer offered on brand new products/parts.