Laptop or Tablet? And which model?

[Sepukku]

My old Sony VIAO laptop from 2007 is dead, and I'm interested in getting a new wireless device.

I plan on doing the following on the device:
--Checking facebook/twitter
--Videochatting
--Accessing Cyclopedia/Gartrwiki for FFXI while playing as well as other game pages
--Accessing NHL content, scores, and fantasy hockey if it ever restarts
--Streaming Netflix content
--Streaming youtube
--Streaming/downloading pornography

I have a desktop computer so if I ever go back to univ for grad school / doctoral program I still have a device suitable for large scale word processing / office functions.

As far as a wireless device goes, would technologically inclined people advise a laptop or a tablet? And what brands are good nowadays? Last I shopped it was Sony Viao and HP products, now its brands like Asus and Samsung stuff so I do not know what is most credible. And with tablets, its incredibly frustrating, I've played with all the displays in stores multiple times and they all seem incredibly similar on 30 second manipulative tests; no one feature made one brand/device stand out over all others. Additionally, some people have sworn iPads are #1 and some people have sworn don't ever buy an Apple product, they're incredibly picky and limited especially when considering price point (no flash, no USB/other way of importing files physically, have to use itunes, have to use safari, etc).

Price is of little consequence up until about $700, provided the money spent produces increasing returns in terms of quality and adaptability (increased functionality) the higher I spend.

[Aylee]

My old Sony VIAO laptop from 2007 is dead, and I'm interested in getting a new wireless device.

I plan on doing the following on the device:
--Checking facebook/twitter
--Videochatting
--Accessing Cyclopedia/Gartrwiki for FFXI while playing as well as other game pages
--Accessing NHL content, scores, and fantasy hockey if it ever restarts
--Streaming Netflix content
--Streaming youtube
--Streaming/downloading pornography

I have a desktop computer so if I ever go back to univ for grad school / doctoral program I still have a device suitable for large scale word processing / office functions.

As far as a wireless device goes, would technologically inclined people advise a laptop or a tablet? And what brands are good nowadays? Last I shopped it was Sony Viao and HP products, now its brands like Asus and Samsung stuff so I do not know what is most credible. And with tablets, its incredibly frustrating, I've played with all the displays in stores multiple times and they all seem incredibly similar on 30 second manipulative tests; no one feature made one brand/device stand out over all others. Additionally, some people have sworn iPads are #1 and some people have sworn don't ever buy an Apple product, they're incredibly picky and limited especially when considering price point (no flash, no USB/other way of importing files physically, have to use itunes, have to use safari, etc).

Price is of little consequence up until about $700, provided the money spent produces increasing returns in terms of quality and adaptability (increased functionality) the higher I spend.

The things you listed don't demand that great of system specs, therefore i would probably go with a tablet. Personally I would avoid ipads (bag for buck is retarded, but they are good machines) unless you just want ios. Other wise I would go with the galaxy tab 10.1 or the nexus 7 purely on personal preference. Then again im not that big in the know with the tablet market.

[Anakron]

Unless you have specific uses for the form factor of a tablet, a notebook will almost always be cheaper or better for the same price. As mentioned above, both will probably perform all the tasks you want, so it's a matter of how much you'll make use of the tablet form factor, and if a bigger screen (15.6" or 17.3") is something you value over the slimness of a tablet.

[Shade]

Tablets are so comfy. If you just need it for super casual use, that's what I would get.

[Jefe]

How bout a Transformer?

[Tajin]

I'd pick a tablet and this from a laptop loving guy.

[Sepukku]

I am leaning more towards tablet currently, as they seem to be mildly cheaper in most cases and it will make me a more well-rounded, literate person when it comes to technology literacy. I have narrowed tablet options down to Samsung Galaxy Note, Asus Transformer, Nexus 7, and Nexus 10.

[Sepukku]

How bout a Transformer?

Transformer is sick but the keyboard cost is the drawback, tablet+KB actually makes it the priciest of the tablets, breaks the $500 barrier pre-taxes pre-accessories, factoring both it starts to approach my $700 budget restraint.

[Khajit]

But you can name it Starscream. Isn't that worth the higher pricetag?

[shukudai]

Tablet for sure, for the needs you listed. Tapatalk HD is my favorite way tomview BG, I wish it worked on PC too All the things you listed are perfect on tablet, though i'd say the Skype experience is best on iOS so far.

If you want iOS, wait til next version of iPad in March. Stay away from iPad mini til next gen as well. Android, you're looking at the Nexus 7 or 10 depending on sizeor Asus Transformer Infinity. Not so certain on the Samsung Tab. Nexus devices get the fastest updates to Android, and are really solid. Transformer is a damn solid tablet, and you have the option of getting the keyboard dock, which imo, works best of all the dock solutions out there for various tablets, AND gives you. A lot more battery life when needed.

Honestly, my gut feeling says grab a used Nexus 7 or something, you can find used ones for 125-150$ (200$ new for the 16gig wifi model), then wait til March to see if the fifth gen iPad has some really nice shit (iPad mini form factor with less bezel, all the other typical Apple stuff.). At that point you can decide if you prefer Android or iOS. Overall tho, for having one tablet, i'd have to recommend going with one of the tablets in the 10" range.