Tablet? Does it fit my needs? Other ideas?

[BerenTebogo]

I'm looking for something that I'm not sure of. :D

Being a physics major, I do a lot, lot lot lot lot, of math and diagrams and etc. I also am horribly against using pencils, I hate them. This leads to a) the use of my whiteboard when I can be around it or b) lots and lots of wasted paper.

I've been interested in a device, maybe ~10-14 inch screen, that is touch sensitive and can be drawn on or has programs that you can draw models / write stuff in / easily erase etc and can possibly save these models?

Basically, I want something that lets me make a billion mistakes while doing guassian integrals or something, end up with the answer nice, neat, and clearly done out, and then be able to save it, edit it, whatever.

I don't really know the market for tablets or whatever at all or what my needs really are. I'm not looking to spend a whole lot of money and I'm not looking for something that also functions as an amazing laptop. I already have a powerful laptop that I love. Want something portable that suits my needs as best as possible. Any suggestions BG?

[Cadsuane]

This is actually something I'd also be very interested in come to think of it.

[avelle]

I don't know if a tablet (ipad/droid) would be big enough to suit your needs. Does it need to be super portable? What about like a wacom tablet (the thing artists use) that lets you write/draw directly to your laptop?

edit: This is based off the assumption you were originally talking about tablets like the iPad and not what I was suggesting.

[BerenTebogo]

Portable would be nice. Like, real notebook sized or smaller would be nice

[Ksandra]

this may or may not be helpful at all but I guess the big thing right now tablet-wise is getting a nookcolor then hacking it. which is nice as the nook color is only $249. My husband got one just recently and it seemed like it was pretty easy to hack.

With that said I know zero about what you can actually hack it to do, so dunno if it can help you. But at least it might be something to look into if it seems like official tablets don't have what you need (and since you mentioned not wanting to spend a lot of money).

Hopefully more techie people here can elaborate more than me.

[BerenTebogo]

Stylus usage would be preferable since doing maths with my fingers is a recipe for lols, but not success :\

[-Zer0-]

http://www.noteslate.com/

What about this? Friend was talking about this a while ago. I use a wacom tablet being an artist, but I find this little device really intriguing and attractive. It's not out yet, but maybe it's something to keep in mind.

[Ksandra]

good point

I tried XD

[octopus]

http://www.noteslate.com/

Wow, this looks really good as a single purpose device (note taking/whiteboard). Seems perfect from the OP's requirements perspective. It's not a multimedia tablet, but the OP is not looking to get one for that anyway.

[BerenTebogo]

It actually looks really close to perfect. The monochrome only thing is a turn off though. If I need to do like over-lapping functions on a graph it'll look just as messy as my notes do now

[-Zer0-]

Let's hope it's multicolored and perfect by the time it releases then!

[BerenTebogo]

Considering Ipad 16gb for $400 with Pogo stylus. I don't like the idea of ipad but galaxy tab 1 is 7" and the tab 2 is gonna be so expensive Xoom looks expensive too.

Any reviews from you guys on ipads?

[octopus]

just did a google search and saw these:

http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/adobe...364617858?mt=8
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/sundr...353007318?mt=8
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/paper...367552067?mt=8

Haven't use these before though, so can't help you about how good they actually are.

[Eliseos]

App for an iPad looks decent: http://www.youtube.com/NoteTakerHD

[Aro]

I'm an Engineering major myself, and understand the pencil woes you face. I've tried using iPad for math/physics/etc but it just doesn't feel the same. There's just something different about writing with a pen/marker. The main reason it feels like this is not because the screen is not responsive but rather it's the feeling of contact with your finger or stylus against the screen. If you don't mind the "hard" sort of feeling when you press a stylus on a screen then I'd probably go with an iPad. Either way if you get an iPad you'll probably get more then just a math-helper. Also iPad 2 is coming out March 11th in the US so if you're looking to get a tablet it's probably a good choice for the price (compared to other tablets like Xoom)

[Caiyuo]

Unrelated to the search for pads, but because you mentioned the use of a whiteboard have you ever considered whiteboard paint for a room/wall? Seems like a really awesome idea in general, I've wanted to for awhile.

[kareface]

I used quite a few attempts at collaborative whiteboards on the ipad while I owned it. The biggest problem I had was the screen and the size of the writing. You can't easily write anything that is legible and small. The pens aren't like the wacom stylus, they have a round tip, and even tho it does make things easier, it's not like writing on a piece of paper. Because everything has to be written a little larger, you run into screen size issues. It becomes very hard to use the tablet for doing complex problems. I tutor in math and physics, so I know exactly what you're going for. I've played around with it and right now I haven't found a good solution using the ipad.

I'm waiting on the flash addon for the xoom to test it out, but I suspect the screen issues will be identical, there will just be a few more options of which shared space I get to use.

[Denchi]

I'm around ipads more than the usual person probably. They're actually great, the key is probably finding the stylus or pen that fits your needs. While some people are satisfied with the stylus' that are out there, I haven't found one that feels right. As with any tablet, it's gonna be a bit of a learning curve....there might be a few weeks where you're like "Fuck this" since it can really feel different. But once you get into the swing of things the ipad works great. and, as others have mentioned, the price is right compared to other tablets considering what you get.

BUT. That noteslate looks fuggin awesome....

[Bethany]

Considering Ipad 16gb for $400 with Pogo stylus. I don't like the idea of ipad but galaxy tab 1 is 7" and the tab 2 is gonna be so expensive Xoom looks expensive too.

Any reviews from you guys on ipads?

The iPad will suit your needs. There are lots of Apps out there that will be perfect for what you are trying to do. The Pogo Stylus is something I do not recommend AT ALL. Having used styli from Targus, Pogo, Griffin, Boxwave, Acase... all of them eventually have the same problem. Their tips wear out, or just are pieces of crap. I was about to give up when I came across a recommendation on a forum for this site where a guy basically has a home run business with styli that is unlike all the major brands.

Hesitant I purchased one of them ($30 model called a Camry) and fell in love with it. He uses a fabric instead of a rubber/foam like the other companies. I don't know how else to describe it other than it just works like you would want it to.

His site is kinda a mess, but it is legitimate and he has a full refund policy of 30 days & a full year warranty. It's worth it if you are serious about using a stylus.

www.beststylus.com

[Hellfury]

Several companies make "hybrids", like Dells Latitude XT2 (not sure what the models from other companies are called), I'm entirely uncertain how good those touch screens are, but might be worth looking into?