Please recommend a device for father-in-law (Windows OS & data plan)
August 12, 2015 8:55 AM Subscribe
My contractor father-in-law is looking for a tablet or 2-in-1 device that he can use at home or in his truck on job sites. The main uses will be email, internet surfing, maps and tracking employee time. The other must have is the being able to use an ATT data plan directly with the device. He's familiar with Windows so that takes Apple, Chrome and Android OS out of the running.
My contractor father-in-law is looking for a tablet or 2-in-1 device that he can use at home or in his truck on job sites. The main uses will be email, internet surfing, maps and tracking employee time & pay. The other must have is the being able to use an AT&T data plan directly with the device - our rural area makes any other type of internet service impossible at his home / job sites. He's most familiar with Windows but not technology inclined so that takes Apple, Chrome & Android OS out of the running.
I was looking at the Microsoft Surface but from what I can figure out we want to avoid the Surface because it comes with Windows RT OS. However, the Surface Pro has full Windows but no built-in 4G LTE. I also looked at the Lenovo Yoga line but haven't determined if those can include a data plan. I use computers a lot but haven't ever looked into tablets because I need more processing power & don't care about touch screen. But for my FIL, touch screen or a pen would be the best choice. Any suggestions would be appreciated!
We are going to a larger town on Friday for a college graduation and plan on looking there to see some of these items in person.
My contractor father-in-law is looking for a tablet or 2-in-1 device that he can use at home or in his truck on job sites. The main uses will be email, internet surfing, maps and tracking employee time & pay. The other must have is the being able to use an AT&T data plan directly with the device - our rural area makes any other type of internet service impossible at his home / job sites. He's most familiar with Windows but not technology inclined so that takes Apple, Chrome & Android OS out of the running.
I was looking at the Microsoft Surface but from what I can figure out we want to avoid the Surface because it comes with Windows RT OS. However, the Surface Pro has full Windows but no built-in 4G LTE. I also looked at the Lenovo Yoga line but haven't determined if those can include a data plan. I use computers a lot but haven't ever looked into tablets because I need more processing power & don't care about touch screen. But for my FIL, touch screen or a pen would be the best choice. Any suggestions would be appreciated!
We are going to a larger town on Friday for a college graduation and plan on looking there to see some of these items in person.
The original Surface and maybe Surface 2 ran RT, but the current Surface 3 is standard full Windows. It's really the best thing out there.
posted by The Michael The at 9:19 AM on August 12, 2015 [2 favorites]
posted by The Michael The at 9:19 AM on August 12, 2015 [2 favorites]
Seems like the Surface 3 was made for his needs. I have one at work and can recommend it without reservations, it really is an impressive piece of technology.
posted by Cosine at 9:31 AM on August 12, 2015
posted by Cosine at 9:31 AM on August 12, 2015
Looking at the AT&T website, the only thing that fits your criteria is going to be the Surface 3.
If he's going to be on a job site something like this case might be ideal.
posted by Medieval Maven at 9:38 AM on August 12, 2015
If he's going to be on a job site something like this case might be ideal.
posted by Medieval Maven at 9:38 AM on August 12, 2015
He's familiar with Windows so that takes Apple, Chrome and Android OS out of the running.
I don't really understand this. The user interface for a tablet is not like the user interface for a laptop or desktop. It's a rectangular screen you poke. I am a Windows user, I hate the entire Mac operating system, and I will happily use an iPad with zero problems.
posted by DarlingBri at 11:01 AM on August 12, 2015
I don't really understand this. The user interface for a tablet is not like the user interface for a laptop or desktop. It's a rectangular screen you poke. I am a Windows user, I hate the entire Mac operating system, and I will happily use an iPad with zero problems.
posted by DarlingBri at 11:01 AM on August 12, 2015
Another vote for the Surface 3 -- work gave me one to play with, and I like it a lot so far -- even if I'm slightly cringing as I say this, I really like having the full laptop/desktop experience and functionality on a tablet.
posted by AwkwardPause at 1:29 PM on August 12, 2015
posted by AwkwardPause at 1:29 PM on August 12, 2015
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posted by soelo at 9:06 AM on August 12, 2015 [4 favorites]