Tablets for semi-pro use [help]

[PLAfiller]

Mornig all,

I have been scheduled with a task to suggest a tablet for kind of professional use. Namely, a chorus that need to read during the singing. So far they've been using phones, but now there is a dedicated budget and tablets will be purchased (4 or so). Ipads are out of the question, whatever you suggest must be below their price point. I will list the requirements below:

1.) It will be read from the tablets A LOT! Must have good pixel density, clear text! Number one priority!
2.) Must be "backlit", e-ink might be an issue as I don't know if sufficient light will always be available where they sing.
3.) One "session" takes 4 hours or so, battery must be able to hold reading for at least this long, wifi/bluetooth are turned off
4.) Tablets will be used every day of the week, no exception!
5.) Storage, lots of books (pdf, e-books) will be uploaded, but most tablets support up to 512GB sd-card, so I don't really expect an issue here

Please suggest specific models, not brands. My initial search tells me Samsung Galaxy series seems a viable alternative to ipad mini, something like S6 Lite for example.

I must have some info by the end of this calendar week, when discussion and purchasing decision might follow.

Thanks in advance for the time/help.

 

[ShiBDiB]

So you say for a chorus but mention pdf's and ebooks? And hard no on ipads?

Only ask because Apple seems to have a monopoly on all the highly recommend sheet music/chorus lyric specific apps (and ipads seem to be by far the recommendation from browsing musician based discussions).

 

[Dr. Dro]

I would tell you to buy the iPad 10th Gen, but you want microSD support (instead of a cloud storage service), this limits you to Android tablets. However, lower cost Android tablets have horrible SoCs and most of them have garbage screens as well. A budget would be very helpful to help you make an informed decision.

 

[PLAfiller]

So you say for a chorus but mention pdf's and ebooks? And hard no on ipads?

Only ask because Apple seems to have a monopoly on all the highly recommend sheet music/chorus lyric specific apps (and ipads seem to be by far the recommendation from browsing musician based discussions).

Yeah, the texts are very specific, I highly doubt Apple's library has a lot of them, that's the reason. It's not super hard no, but let's just say if there is an alternative, I'd rather not reach for Apple's premium.

I would tell you to buy the iPad 10th Gen, but you want microSD support (instead of a cloud storage service), this limits you to Android tablets. However, lower cost Android tablets have horrible SoCs and most of them have garbage screens as well. A budget would be very helpful to help you make an informed decision.

That's what I am afraid of, recommending something that won't be up to the task. I don't have a budget number, priority is for the thing to do what I listed. The same goes for the microSD support, I asked about estimate of what needed to be stored, but I have no definitive answer from the chorus themselves, so I must assume what will be enough. I just checked Apple 10th gen (2022 model) doesn't look that bad price-wise. Actually on par with S6 Lite I mentioned earlier. I will put in the list of suggestions.

 

[Dr. Dro]

Yeah, the texts are very specific, I highly doubt Apple's library has a lot of them, that's the reason. It's not super hard no, but let's just say if there is an alternative, I'd rather not reach for Apple's premium.

That's what I am afraid of, recommending something that won't be up to the task. I don't have a budget number, priority is for the thing to do what I listed. The same goes for the microSD support, I asked about estimate of what needed to be stored, but I have no definitive answer from the chorus themselves, so I must assume what will be enough. I just checked Apple 10th gen (2022 model) doesn't look that bad price-wise. Actually on par with S6 Lite I mentioned earlier. I will put in the list of suggestions.

The screen is great and readability is awesome. AFAIK it has the A14 Bionic CPU from the iPhone 12 series, which makes it orders of magnitude more powerful than Helio G99 or Snapdragon 695-based tablets. The screen is also immaculate despite not being OLED. Leagues ahead of other budget Android tablets - and it'll receive iPadOS updates for many years to come. There is a 256 GB + cellular version available, it's a bit pricier, but it might just work for you.

As for library - I don't think you'll be left out in the cold here either. Apple Books has a healthy selection, pdf readers are available and Kindle from Amazon also works on iOS. If you already have things with Google, then Google Play Books app is also available on iOS. Also, Apple One includes iCloud data storage, Music, News+ and the sort. The few remaining limitations of iOS are slowly but surely subsiding with the push from the EU.

The good thing is that since it's an Apple device you can go to any shopping mall in the world to see the device for yourself - and it'll also be easy to get parts and service for it.

 

[Bill_Bright]

there is a dedicated budget and tablets will be purchased (4 or so). Ipads are out of the question, whatever you suggest must be below their price point.

I don't have a budget number

so I must assume

No, you MUST NOT!!!! Gee whiz! So what are we (and you!) supposed to do? Just guess what the budget and price point is?

It is wrong for them to force you to assume anything - without you knowing their budget. That leaves you as the scapegoat no matter what you pick.

I recommend the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra Rugged Tablet.

I suspect that Samsung is out of the question - I just used it to illustrate a point.

If they will not give you a set budget, I STRONGLY RECOMMEND you give them a short list of 3 (or more) potential options at different price points and let them decide which one they want.

 

[Assimilator]

First you say

Ipads are out of the question, whatever you suggest must be below their price point.

then you say:

I don't have a budget number, priority is for the thing to do what I listed.

So you do, in fact, have a budget. And I am willing to guess that we are talking about a church here, so budget will be even more limited. Non-techy people are terrible at estimating what technology will cost, they always aim stupidly low, so you really need to get from them what they are actually able and willing to spend before you do any sort of shopping.

You might also want to consider older/second-hand tablets; an Ipad may be well within reach there. Of course that has its own risks, e.g. hammered battery, but that can be mitigated by purchasing through quality second-hand sellers.

 

[Chrispy_]

Hard no on iPad is going to be an issue.

I've been dishing out tablets for work for over 10 years and the problem is almost always that the iPad apps work well and the Android ones are terrible.

I'm no Apple fan, but the snagging, survey, mapping apps, plus any app developed by a contractor on any given project is usually written for the iPad first with Android support being little more than an afterthought.

So the first question you need to really consider is "what is the primary app you intend to use" and then look at what platforms that app runs well on.

 

[Assimilator]

Hard no on iPad is going to be an issue.

I've been dishing out tablets for work for over 10 years and the problem is almost always that the iPad apps work well and the Android ones are terrible.

I'm no Apple fan, but the snagging, survey, mapping apps, plus any app developed by a contractor on any given project is usually written for the iPad first with Android support being little more than an afterthought.

So the first question you need to really consider is "what is the primary app you intend to use" and then look at what platforms that app runs well on.

Agree with this too - it's not just about the upfront cost, it's about the lifetime experience. That's why some people are happy to pay more for Apple products vs other, because they feel that the ease of use over the lifetime of said product is worth it. And if you are dealing with non-tech people, an Apple product is almost certainly going to be the best and simplest experience for them to get done what they need.

It's also about your time too. I'm assuming you'll be the one having to support these things, and if the user experience is subpar or they break regularly then you'll be out there a lot (and the people using the tablets will probably hate you). So while you absolutely do need a budget, the tablet and app and experience using it may well convince the users to fork out a little more to get something that's worth their while.

 

[wNotyarD]

I'd say to look in the bare minimum at the Galaxy Tab S7 FE (ideally the WiFi-only version). It has a higher resolution when compared to any Tab S6 Lite, and its 700-series Snapdragons won't leave anyone but power users wanting. If unavailable, then the cheaper option between the A14 iPad (for ease of use) and the Tab S9 FE (microSD expandability).

I list these three coming from your number one priority (pixel density/clear text) so all of them have at least 240ppi, from either Apple or Samsung. I don't know if the smaller screen on an A12 or A15 iPad Mini would be an issue despite their higher pixel density, but you may consider them as options.
If their price come as too high, then any Tab S6 Lite may do fine with their ~220dpi (the chipset depends on the year model - 2020/2022/2024 - but even the oldest of them should carry your designated task with ease).

While there are Chinese brands with solid models (e.g. Lenovo, Xiaomi), I have no idea on your - and the chorus' - stance over Chinese devices.

If even the Tab S6 Lites come as too expensive, I'd really worry about either performance or screen quality (and by consequence, the users' mood using the devices).

It is paramount that you discover how much the chorus is willing to spend total. What the other users here mentioned of non tech-savvy people underestimating budgets is very real.

 

[PLAfiller]

Well, all I can say is thank you for the help.

@Assimilator , dunno how you guessed it, but yeah it's about a church. You pretty much nailed other details in your comment as well. But second-hand it will not be for sure.

@Chrispy_ , not sure which app, but so far PDF-reader of some sort, image reader, mobile scanner something like that.

@wNotyarD , Galaxy Tab S7 FE/ iPad 10/ OnePlus Pad are about the same money locally ~€400 , so it comes to everything else, but their price.

I will give a call tomorrow to get a grasp of the actual budget, so as not to shoot in the wrong direction.

 

[wNotyarD]

@wNotyarD , Galaxy Tab S7 FE/ iPad 10/ OnePlus Pad are about the same money locally ~€400 , so it comes to everything else, but their price.

The S7 FE at the same price as the iPad 10? That makes the former a tad overpriced in my opinion.
About the OnePlus, I must say its specs look REALLY nice, but it has no microSD slot. Also, if you mentioned an 1+, I take that Chinese devices aren't an issue. Are the Lenovo Tab P12 (with microSD) or the Xiaomi Pad 5/6 (without) available and if yes at what prices?

 

[DaemonForce]

I would recommend something familiar to me like the Surface but I know better than that because these things are insufferable garbage.
I fight mine multiple times every single day and lately I only use it to load Twitch streams for some background noise. Good luck picking an Android.

 

[Chrispy_]

So if this is a tablet for displaying music pages or song verses, then it needs to be a one-tap page turn.

This is my opinion rather than fact, but you still want to nail down the exact app before going any further into searching for a device. Most PDF viewers are swipe-down-to-scroll which probably won't work as well as a PDF e-reader or e-reader app that is tap to turn the page. We're talking about interacting with a tablet during a performance here where nobody has time to futz with smooth-scrolling to the next PDF page and lining it up perfectly.

I may be misunderstanding the scenario here but I assume you want a full page of a PDF in fullscreen and a Kindle-like tap once to turn the page, or tap the leftmost edge of the page to go back a page?

 

[wNotyarD]

So if this is a tablet for displaying music pages or song verses, then it needs to be a one-tap page turn.

This is my opinion rather than fact, but you still want to nail down the exact app before going any further into searching for a device. Most PDF viewers are swipe-down-to-scroll which probably won't work as well as a PDF e-reader or e-reader app that is tap to turn the page. We're talking about interacting with a tablet during a performance here where nobody has time to futz with smooth-scrolling to the next PDF page and lining it up perfectly.

I may be misunderstanding the scenario here but I assume you want a full page of a PDF in fullscreen and a Kindle-like tap once to turn the page, or tap the leftmost edge of the page to go back a page?

Sounds very reasonable to me. Either that, or a reader app where you'd swipe left or right like flipping a songbook.

 

[Chrispy_]

I assume you want a full page of a PDF in fullscreen and a Kindle-like tap once to turn the page

I mean, the obvious suggestion is right there.

Try a used Kindle paperwhite, dirt cheap to see if works well before spending money on more. you can use free software like Calibre to sideload ePub, Mobi, PDF files onto it etc. The only downside is that they're quite small (6" screen that's about equivalent to an 8" phone for paper sheets because of the 4:3 aspect ratio not wasting screen space). I have a 2nd Gen Paperwhite but IIRC you can still sideload files onto the 3rd, 4th, 5th gen ones and they're under $150 new, I think.

Realistically they are sharp, easy-to-read e-ink displays with huge 2-3 week battery life and once the relevant files are loaded onto them they're incredibly simple and intuitive to use (because opening books is realistically all they can do)

If the Kindle/e-reader option is a no-go, then you just need to nail down the reader app you're intending to use at which point check if the android version is any good before hunting for an affordable android tablet.

 

[Dr. Dro]

Honestly, given all the compromises brought forward thus far, I think I will stand behind my recommendation for the iPad 10. Just don't buy the 64 GB model and you'll be OK.

 

[Frick]

Honestly, given all the compromises brought forward thus far, I think I will stand behind my recommendation for the iPad 10. Just don't buy the 64 GB model and you'll be OK.

If a Samsung FE is as much as the iPad I agree.

I had a Lenovo that was pretty great (tab 4 10 plus) that I donated and got a Samsung S6 FE that is pretty shitty for the money. €400 is the new €200.

Also a note about size: You want a bigger tablet, e-readers have a sad tendency to be in the 6-7" range. Heck buy a used 12.9" iPad Pro if you can find one in good nick. For music you want as big as you can manage.

 

[Atomic77]

Don’t say no to iPad. iPad is the best. I currently have a 11inch iPad Air M2. it could probably do what you’re asking and it’s a pretty good price. No I’m not selling mine.

 

[Dr. Dro]

Don’t say no to iPad. iPad is the best. I currently have a 11inch iPad Air M2. it could probably do what you’re asking and it’s a pretty good price. No I’m not selling mine.

LOL I feel the same way about my iPhone 6s Plus

Proven workhorse and I like how it looks and feels. I'd pay good money for a classic run of this phone with an A18 SoC in the future

 

[95Viper]

Keep it on topic.

 

[Hyderz]

what about a microsoft surface?

 

[GamerGuy]

Heard of Lenovo Legion Tab Y700 2023 (Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1, 8.8") and Y900 {MTK Dimensity 9000 , 14.5" OLED)? Both have mSD expansion slots so storage should not be a problem. I have the Legion Tab Y700 2022 model, and even it has a SD 870 chipset and a 512GB mSD card for more storage, I have my eBooks from Playbook, Kindle and Dark Horse installed in it for my reading and manga enjoyment.

One reason why not many have heard or bought the excellent Legion Yx00 tablets is because they aren't officially released yet, though I do believe the Y700 2023 model will have an official international release soon. I don't get why Lenovo chose to have them released in China only, I got mine through Aliexpress from China, with the global ROM, works fine though, though I don't demand much from it....use it as a reader, surfing the net, watching movies....and the occasional gaming (which it handles pretty well).

 

[Chrispy_]

what about a microsoft surface?

• Likely over budget by a factor of 5x or more! An iPad which is half the price of a surface is already 100% ruled out for being "far too expensive".
• Completely overkill for "displaying a PDF"
• Relatively frequent, disruptive update cycles that will have high CPU usage and reboots when it's turned on for the first time in 1-2 weeks after being in storage between rehearsals.
• Awful battery life less than half that of most tablets, and really bad power management that often fails to shut down or hibernate as expected, resulting in you coming back to a totally dead Surface.
• Horrible UI for touch-interface only. Windows really need at least a stylus because it's not designed for touch like iOS and Android.
• Proprietary connectors and bulky mains power adapter, rather than easy and commodity USB-C chargers.
• These are quite likely to be placed high up on a sheet-music stand, 5 feet above a stone church floor, at a guess. Plastic android tablets often bounce without even needing a cover. Surfaces don't like hard surfaces, and you can't really get protective cover for them as they require active cooling and the vents at the side must be unhindered to prevent overheating.

Also a note about size: You want a bigger tablet, e-readers have a sad tendency to be in the 6-7" range. Heck buy a used 12.9" iPad Pro if you can find one in good nick. For music you want as big as you can manage.

I was looking for larger e-readers and while they exist, they're very very expensive. The cheap ones are all 7" or less :|

 

[Caring1]

Look for an E-reader.

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