Looking for a new tablet

[buksida]

Nice, I guess most tablets have a 'reading mode' that doesn't emit the blue light, so it seems they're completely compatible with e-books and readers.

[STEVE G]

I have a Xaomi tablet but I always use a Kindle for reading, particularly when in Thailand because I read out in the garden and you can use a Kindle in bright light when a tablet will be useless.
Despite that, the Xaomi is a good deal, I forget the exact specification of mine but I think it only cost about 140 euros and for that, it's a good deal.
Incidentally, it could be a good time for buying Chinese products in Thailand because they're going to have a lot of stuff that isn't going to America at the moment!

[buksida]

Too hot to sit outside and read, and most of mine is done in the evening before I go to bed, so it looks like the Redmi Pad SE ticks all the boxes and is a good bang for the buck for the spec.

Yep, looks like phones and tablets will not be affected by the tariffs, but doesn't explain why laptops are so expensive here (most of them are made in Asia too):

IT prices to evade tariff hit
Local prices of smartphones and IT products are not expected to be affected by the new US import tariffs in the short term as the majority of these products are made in Asia, say retailers.

However, prices may increase for new production batches in the fourth quarter.

Dusit Sukumvitaya, chief executive of Jaymart Mobile Ltd, said the company does not predict any impact on smartphone prices in the second or third quarters.

However, if raw material costs increase, prices may rise in the fourth quarter, he said.

https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/ge ... tariff-hit

[Dannie Boy]

I know that many (Buks included) are not fans of Apple products, but they’re noticeably cheaper here than in the UK and I rarely go anywhere else, so if/when I want a replacement it’ll be purchased here.

[STEVE G]

I hadn't tried it before but I've just opened the Kindle app on the Redmi SE and it works fine:
( Obviously a photo of a computer display doesn't really do it justice. )

[pharvey]

Think I'll avoid Samsung due to charging/ports/connection/compatibility issues documented here, and have been looking at the Xiaomi Redmi Pad SE, which weighs in at under 7,000 baht for the 8+256 11" model (cheaper on those discount days).

I've got the Samsung A9+ and now I've got used to things find it very impressive, though a tad more expensive than the Xiaomi you have quoted. I did have an 11" Lenovo model (which has been passed onto a niece), but found that a little large as an e-Book reader, but great for movies and everyday use. The A9+ is great as an e-Book Reader and also for movies etc.
As for the "charging/ports/connection/compatibility issues" , I've found zero issues now that I've got used to things. I'd prefer to have a designated SIM Port for Internet connectivity rather than having to use my Mobile as a Hotspot or accessing free WiFi which obviously isn't always available. The USB/C-Port is common now I find for charging and connecting external memory - my Earphones, Mobile (Samsung), Company Laptop are all charged using a USB-C. There is also an additional slot for a "Micro SD Card" with a limit of 1TB - enough for anyone! Working on Android which I'm very used to now.

[EDIT] If using external storage with other connections, this is very useful (also has HDMI connection): -
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USB-C Memory.png (267.51 KiB) Viewed 7689 times

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Has anyone used a tablet to replace a dedicated e-reader (are they just as easy on the eyes and compatible with standard e-book formats)?

I've been using the above mentioned A9+ as an e-Reader (amongst other things) and find it to be as good as using a Kindle - though admittedly have not used it in direct sunlight. You can adjust/limit "Blue Light" through settings, which I assume (as you mentioned) most Tablets would have the ability to do so - "Night Mode, Night Light, or Reading Mode" is what to look out for.

As for the e-book/e-Reader App, I use "ReadEra"(Android) which hasn't let me down yet.

[Big Boy]

I agree with pharvey. I too was almost put off by the documented charging/ports/connection/compatibility issues. However, I think that is just something put out by Samsung's rivals. I've found no issues whatsoever. Of course, there may be advanced applications where there are issues.

[buksida]

However, I think that is just something put out by Samsung's rivals. I've found no issues whatsoever.

Didn't you have to pay extra for a third-party charger because it didn't come with one and had issues with the non-standard USB port?

Don't need a SIM in it but a USB-C port and the ability to add a microSD card is essential (and of course a charger).

[Big Boy]

It didn't come with a charger, but it seems no Samsung goods come with chargers any more. We've since replaced 2 phones, and they didn't come with chargers either. However, 1 charger does the lot (we did buy additional chargers, but they weren't essential).

The same port does everything, and yes, it does take a microSD, but storage is so great, I didn't need one.

Give me a shout next time you're up in Hua Hin and you can examine mine over that breakfast we keep missing out on.

[pharvey]

Didn't you have to pay extra for a third-party charger because it didn't come with one and had issues with the non-standard USB port?

Don't need a SIM in it but a USB-C port and the ability to add a microSD card is essential (and of course a charger).

A charger came with mine in the UK - USB-A to USB-C Cable with additional 3 Pin Plug. As mentioned above, there is a slot for a microSD card (1TB limit). I have an additional adaptor pictured above which allows me to connect USB-A "Pen Drives"/ Memory Sticks, SD Cards etc.

[buksida]

The tablet arrived yesterday, its a serious piece of kit for the money. The mrs got it one one of those flash sales for 5,200, the equivalent spec Samsung is almost double.

It is lightweight and has a great screen for reading, already downloaded the latest Nat Geo and a few books on to it. Impressed so far, certainly an improvement on the Kindle.

[Dannie Boy]

The tablet arrived yesterday, its a serious piece of kit for the money. The mrs got it one one of those flash sales for 5,200, the equivalent spec Samsung is almost double.

It is lightweight and has a great screen for reading, already downloaded the latest Nat Geo and a few books on to it. Impressed so far, certainly an improvement on the Kindle.

The cheapest iPad would be double plus (B12,900), so sounds like a bargain.

[buksida]

Wouldn't go near Apple if it was free!

[Dannie Boy]

I was aware of your love of everything Apple, just putting the price into perspective!!

[Big Boy]

The tablet arrived yesterday

So what was it in the end?