Windows Tablet

Be very careful with Windows RT, the only stuff that will run on it is RT apps.

No quality tablets run CE as CE was designed for cheap. small, low powered processor PDA type thingys.

I don't think it will be long before Microsoft drops and stops offering support for CE.

Hi Greg that sounds promising. Also do you happen to know if they come with USB ports (2 at least)? If not will the inbuilt GPS unit, (presume they come with one), be adequate to run Ozi? I haven't read about any of the Tablet users attaching GPS mouse units to their Androids.

Cheers

Dunc

Sorry Dunc - don't really know full answer. They do have usb (maybe not 2)..not sure about internal gps (may need bluetooth/usb). Apart from a Google search would suggest going to electronics stores and seeing what is available and spec's. There are always new models being released.

Cheers
Greg

Agree Greg, that would be my next step at this stage really just making enquiries from those who may have one and know. Saw one at JB HiFi but there was a small crowd so didn't hang around long enough to ask any questions.

Cheers

Dunc

Duncan,
Short answer is that the Surface runs Windows 8 (likely new ones will be V8.1 - good luck with that!) and if Ozi say it will run on Win8, then they've tested it and it will be OK.
As mentioned, be very careful that you do NOT end up with a RT unit, as they are severely limited in the apps they'll run - thank you Mr Micro$haft!
Trouble is, the Pro version is way overpriced!

Far best option is to have a look at the product in the store, and see what they do that you like/dislike.

A very important point, though, is that the GPS might not be available for a tablet that does not have a phone unit included. For some insane reason, the tablet makers don't put a GPS receiver into the machine unless they also put in a phone (3G or 4G) unit. Of course, the presence of a phone unit does not mean that you HAVE to be connected to the phone network to use GPS, just that the 2 components are often placed together or not at all.

...My Samsung galaxy tab doesn't have a sim card ("phone") slot but does have GPS. I think it may only be iPads that restrict you in this fashion i.e. WiFi only version doesn't have GPS...but I am not up to speed on all makes and models of tablets.

Cheers
Greg

Greg my junk mail pile tonight has a JB catalogue and the Windows unit advertised is RT & $599 so pretty pricey for a unit that by the sounds of things won'y deliver what I want. No idea about the Pro version that you mention, so a trip in store is required.

I have a USB 4 port adaptor which may solve lack of USB ports.

Looked at a Samsung Galaxy, with WiFi, GPS, 4G etc and by the time I'd added on all the bits and pieces incl the car kit it added up to around the $1300 mark so my dash mounted EePC which works fine but a bit cumbersome may have to do for a while yet.

Hopefully the Windows version may work out more economical but as you note above I won't hold my breath on that score.

Cheers

Dunc

No worries - I was anticipating some Surface/OziExplorer guru to come and spill the beans but looks like they must be non-existent, rare or busy elsewhere...anyway good luck with your search for gadget update.

Cheers
Greg

Greg

"I think it may only be iPads that restrict you in this fashion i.e. WiFi only version doesn't have GPS"

Restrict? Or give you the choice?

Bob

Hello Bob

If you want an Ipad with GPS you have no choice but to buy the 3G version - i.e your choice is restricted i.e. Wifi/GPS only combination doesn't exist.

But that's OK, GPS option would be more expensive anyway so even if a Wifi/GPS version did exist it may not be much cheaper than the Wifi/GPS/3G version. Not having an apple bash here - at the time I purchased my Samsung Galaxy I couldn't get a 3G version (may not have got it anyway, but not available, at least where I was shopping), so same scenario in reverse.

Many people have smartphones with data plan these days so setting up a hotspot is the go anyway - 3G iPad/tablet is possibly an unnecessary upgrade for a lot of people.

Cheers
Greg

Peter it was JB's the Tablet was the top of the wozza Galaxy, but the 4G etc that I asked about and most probably didn't need such as 4G phone + internet as well as the WiFi + the car kit and the biggest Sim card it would take all added up. Crazy I know. It was only a half arsed enquiry. After Christmas I'll get serious and see what the sales have to offer.

Cheers

Dunc

How times have changed then and in a very short period of time. Went to KL with another EO member last Easter and we scoured the stores and all we could come up with was Android based units.

Cheers

Dunc.

Hi Gio that sounds promising.

thanks Dunc

Yer I've seen those hybrid type units and as you say very versatile. Looks like I'll be busy researching next year.

Cheers

Dunc.