Up to now...here is my workspace...
Yep, that's me, sitting on my bed (aka the office) working my laptop. Freedom awaits!
I started my search at Dell.com. I had heard fantastic things about the best tablets to buy over the holidays, but I knew nothing about them. I was happy to find all the answers to my questions there...
There are two different types of Windows, Windows 8 and Windows RT. The biggest difference between Windows 8, and RT seems to be a full desktop mode, and third party apps. I liked the idea of the full desktop option and found myself exploring the Dell Venue 8 Pro Tablet. This tablet comes with Intel inside, and that's a good thing. It means I can do all the things I want with my tablet, on the go! AWESOME! According to Dell, the Venue 8 Pro has an all day battery life...score! (I wish I had this on my last trip to London!) The MOST important app option for me, is photo editing. Guess what...Photoshop Express...got it! If this little powerhouse is as fast as they say, I'm going to be one happy camper!
Ordering was fast and easy, and before I knew it, my new Dell Venue 8 Pro was at my door! That was way too easy! So. Excited! How cute and compact is this?! Lego man is even excited;)
As someone who uses technology all day, every day...I was a tiny bit intimidated to fire this new tablet up and see what it could do. But...I was brave, and excited...so I turned it on! It was SO easy to get started. Before I knew it, I had downloaded Photoshop Express, Flipboard and Netflix. No more squinting on my phone to read the morning news...This little baby was going to come in handy!
Then...I saw it...the recipe app! A long, LONG time ago we had a laptop in the kitchen. Let's just say, that didn't end well. A tablet will be perfect for cooking! My son was on board, and before I knew it, we were off and cooking!
We chose to make the Penne Pasta with Tomato Cream Sauce. It was SO. Good! My son loved helping;)
It is very clear that my new Venue 8 Pro tablet is my new best friend in the kitchen. I LOVE trying new recipes!
I was hoping that I would be able to get on regular Internet Facebook, as well as HootSuite to get work done, and YES I can. This is so convenient for me. It means I don't have to lug out the laptop to work social media. I know there are apps for that, but I don't like the Facebook pages app. It doesn't let me respond in line to comments, which drives me CRAZY.
While I was working social media, I got a call...from Skype! It was my mom, and I was off and chatting. OK...I officially LOVE my new tablet!
While shopping Dell.com, I noticed they will be offering a keyboard soon. This seems like a must have. They also have a really cute tablet folio which I think I will be ordering next. Be sure to check them out to learn more! You can also keep up with Dell on Twitter, and Intel on Facebook.
Oh wow! I think that is so cool! A small laptop that is cheaper easier to use. Something I am going to look into thanks!
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, I hope you enjoy it!
DeleteThanks for the idea. I was looking for a good tablet, followed your instructions (boy were the photos a big help) and navigated through them and bought my own. Now once I get Skype set up, we can by pass the telephone completely. Be in touch soon.
ReplyDeleteAnd NO, the ponies cannot have one too...they don't share well.
Have a heart, buy one for the ponies! ;)
DeleteOh cool! My last computer was a Dell and I LOVED it so I trust their products.
ReplyDeleteYes, that's why I went for Dell. I had a Dell laptop that lasted FOREVER!
Deletevery informative! i am debating on a tablet like this and a mini ipad...you might have pushed me into the Dell direction! curious to see if this will become claimed by your kiddos. crazy to think that my 4 year old needs her own device, i'm tired of her hogging my phone! a Dell tablet for her too...oh can Santa handle that this year?!
ReplyDeleteI am going to try to keep it away from the kiddos. They have already tried to grab it! Santa will be delivering a lot of these!
DeleteThis is seriously the most beautiful post I have ever seen! I usually loathe reading about tech... but your use of imagery and your enthusiasm really sold me.
ReplyDeleteSign me up, Santa! I'm adding this to my Christmas wish list.
Awesome Mayhem, thanks for the kind words. I hope Santa takes care of you!
DeleteGlad to see your critique of the Dell tablet. Our college uses Dell laptops and desktops and there has been discussion of getting tables for an experimental BYOD class. Certainly will take time to look at these for sure!!
ReplyDeleteAwesome!
DeleteI would love to have one of these. I think it would be really great to use for school. I saw a student using one in between classes one day to do homework online with and i think it would be a lot easier to carry around then having to lug a computer. I was not sure which one I would like to look into getting but this helped out. Sounds like a fun little toy. Totally jealous.
ReplyDeleteI think it would be great for class Nephew...don't be jealous, get one!
DeleteLooks like a great tablet. I'd love the battery life on it!
ReplyDeleteYes, the battery life is a HUGE plus!
DeleteOMG. I have serious tech envy. I've been debating about a tablet and love its versatility. I think most Moms would get quite a bit of mileage out of that bad boy!
ReplyDeleteI think you're right!
DeleteThat pasta looks delicious and I love that the recipe came from your new tablet! Thank you for pointing out the main difference between Windows 8 and RT. Your tablet looks like the perfect tool to get you unconnected from your laptop! #client
ReplyDeleteThe battery life is nice. I love tablets I have the android one and my 4 yr old has taken it over I can't wait til she gets her own for Christmas so I can get mines back.
ReplyDeleteKids do have a way of stealing them away!
DeleteYou have just given me the inspiration I need to utilize my tablet more! I have one but feel like I don't use it to its full capacity :(
ReplyDeleteIt is easy to get stuck in keyboard mode Casey.
DeleteThat Dell looks like such a great little tablet! I actually use my tablet more than my laptop lately. Unless I am sitting down to really get into writing and editing photos, I am usually on the tablet! (usually in bed LOL)
ReplyDeleteI have become addicted to Netflix on this tablet. It is perfect for sitting in bed and watching;)
DeleteThanks for explaining the Windows differences! Cause I have no idea! And thanks for designing my blog!
ReplyDeleteMitch
www.gaynycdad.com
Your blog still looks fabulous Mitch! That is one of my favorite headers;)
DeleteWith full desktop mode and a keyboard, I'd be set with a tablet for sure. I had an RT tablet but it wasn't quite powerful enough. I enjoy my bedroom office too. :)
ReplyDeleteThis one is very powerful Liz. I like it alot;)
DeleteWow it's the perfect size! I would totally use that in my kitchen!
ReplyDeleteIt really is the perfect size. I'm so glad I got it!
DeleteI love tablets and the more powerful they are the better. Also, I didn't know you designed Mitch's blog?
ReplyDeleteEstelle
I did Mitch's blog so long ago. I still love his header though. LOVE!
DeleteIt's amazing! My husband just got one and he loves it so much! It's so great that it does everything your PC can {I didn't know it could do Photoshop though!} but be on the go!
ReplyDeleteIt's not full Photoshop, but it's great for editing pictures;)
DeleteI could really use one of these for cooking in the kitchen. I always end up spilling stuff dangerously close to my bulky laptop; this would be so much easier to use for displaying recipes and a lot less likely to get destroyed!
ReplyDeleteYes, we used to have a full laptop in the kitchen...and then we spilled on it:/ This is way better;)
DeleteWe have a family tablet, and I have tried it, but I just can't pry myself away from a keyboard. I suppose that my job demands the "keys". But I'm willing to learn to switch over.
ReplyDeleteI'm having trouble with no keyboard, and no mouse. Ahhh!
DeleteThe new technology that we have access to is absolutely amaziing. The computer power that is in your new table used to take a three story building. It is like science fiction come to life.
ReplyDeletei love windows devices. the continuity keeps me sane!
ReplyDeletei hate the facebook pages manager app too i'm so glad someone else agrees
I have only owned Dell laptops but I didn't think to shop there when I decided to get a tablet. Still, my iPad has been able to get me away from the actual computer so much - and I love that it's light enough to take with me. It's the best thing ever at blogging conferences when my laptop would be too heavy to lug around.
ReplyDeleteI love Windows devices! I need to get one of those tablets so I too can be freed from my laptop! ;)
ReplyDeleteThats awesome. My husband has been wanting a Windows 8 type device. We weren't sure what to get, glad you like the Dell one!
ReplyDeleteThat's a really nice tablet! I'm not sure if I could completely work on one though.
ReplyDeleteMy newest laptop is a Dell and I am loving it. I love my other tablet and I would love one to work with
ReplyDeleteThis tablet looks fantastic- I'm not sure if I realized that the Dell Venue 8 Pro was that size! What a great, portable option that can really come in handy when you're traveling (or hiding from the kids). I will have to check this out!
ReplyDeleteLooks like a great tablet. I think it would also be a great gift idea for my teens.
ReplyDelete