Laptop vs tablet

Discussion in 'Trucking Electronics, Gadgets and Software Forum' started by Truckerswife227, Apr 24, 2012.

  1. Truckerswife227

    Truckerswife227 Bobtail Member

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    Manhattan Illinois
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    Hey everyone, I was thinking about buying my hubby either a laptop or a tablet for his truck. I am confused about which one would be better for a semi tractor. He currently drives a peterbilt 386 condo. He has his frig and tv in the truck. He is not very techy but can operate the simple functions of a laptop. I like the tablet thing because it has built in wifi. I also like the laptop because most truck stops have wifi and he can play movies on it. Since I am not in the truck with him need some advise of which will be a better option for him. :biggrin_25514:
     
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  3. keepntruckin

    keepntruckin Light Load Member

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    I prefer the laptop, it has wifi and I use verizon's MIFI for internet
     
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  4. Treefork

    Treefork Road Train Member

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    If he's not real computer savvy a tablet might be easier.
     
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  5. Aztech

    Aztech Light Load Member

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    Will he be using it while driving? If so I'd go with a tablet.

    If not, it really depends on what he plans to do on it.

    Tablet takes up less space to mount on the dash, and its easier to function while driving (using the GPS that is).

    If he's an owner operator, I'd go with a laptop because it has so much more functionality compared to a tablet.

    As far as WiFi goes, truck stop Wifi is awful and expensive. He's better off getting a MiFi device from Verizon.
     
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  6. aiwiron

    aiwiron Road Train Member

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    Being a non tech person I debated between both and went with another laptop, the tablet was nice but did not have all the functions needed.
     
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  7. dancnoone

    dancnoone "Village Idiot"

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    Laptop ------ pure and simple

    Tablet looks cool. But lack the functionality of a laptop.

    I really want a tablet myself. But can't justify the higher cost vs lack of function.
     
  8. fortycalglock

    fortycalglock Road Train Member

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    I've had both in the truck for a year. Originally I was hoping my Motorola Xoom would replace my laptop. It hasn't, but the tablet definitely has its place for me. I was looking at the dual boot Windows/Android but they don't seem to be catching on. My laptop died yesterday, and I will be replacing it today.
    If your husband uses the same truckstop brand, $20 a month for unlimited wifi use isn't expensive. Movies will eat through bandwith on a cellular wireless account. I once used up 10 gigs on snowy 34 hr restart.
     
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  9. Truckerswife227

    Truckerswife227 Bobtail Member

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    Apr 3, 2012
    Manhattan Illinois
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    Thanks everyone so it looks like laptop it is. And I will totally look into the verizon thing you guys are great
     
  10. Aztech

    Aztech Light Load Member

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    The Verizon MiFi now requires $50/month for 5GB. They removed the $30 for 2GB. If he likes youtube or watching videos online, he will probably use more than 5GB/month. If he just needs internet for web and email, truck stop wifi will do.

    Another alternative to internet would be a smartphone with the Hot Spot feature. This is what i currently use. It allows your laptop to use your smartphone's data.

    And keep in mind a tablet is simply a large smartphone, without the phone. They do the same exact thing, ive tried a tablet and hated it!
     
  11. BlackLions

    BlackLions Road Train Member

    I use a laptop, tablet would be nice (but might be a bigger distraction) but laptop works great for everything. As far as internet, I paid the $20 at pilot/flying j (truck stop internet is slowwww) till now, I have my iphone (jailbroken finally) and been with Verizon for about 3 years now. Back then they had unlimited internet/text messages package for $30. So I connect my laptop through my phone for internet and works great at 3g even for movies. I do the youtube thing but also have a netflix account for all the weekly series shows.

    Not sure if anyone has unlimited anymore, but it sure is nice since on average I use about 12GB's monthly.
     
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