I've read about the Surface, but it's so expensive. I'd go for it but only if someone really convinces me it sets itself apart from everything else. Otherwise, is there anything out there right now that is better? Or is there an upcoming one that I should hold my money for? Main use for the tablet is to be able to bring it to places and do self-study. Meaning responsive software to watch videos like from khanacademy with no lag, and maybe ....maybe excel software. I know that restricts me to Microsoft, but that's a big maybe. I'm looking to use it for self improvement basically by making it into my go to library tablet to learn new things. Thanks.
Actually, with my experience with my Note 4, I don't think I want to deal with any Android systems anymore. Been buggy, slow, and lags. Hate that. Didn't experience that with my iPhone 5 whatsoever.
That's a Samsung Touchwiz problem. Android itself does have some bloat but Samsung really takes it to a new level. I wouldn't use Touchwiz as some common representation of what Android is in terms of performance. Touchwiz is probably one of the worst Android skins in terms of performance. If you want a basic tablet seriously get a 2013 Nexus 7. They're pretty cheap, still run well (I have one) and run stock android as opposed to a version of Android with a bloated skin like Samsung's Touchwiz. Also Microsoft released Office for all platforms (Android, Windows and iOS) so you can get Excel on any platform now. If you really dont want an android device then get an iPad Mini 2. The Mini 3 was a marginal upgrade at best so you're better off buying the older Mini 2. There are cheap Windows tablets as well but the app store on Windows is pretty bare. (although you can obviously run standard desktop apps) If you're willing to pay, Apple still makes the best tablets out there in my opinion. An iPad Mini 2 is the best bang for your buck if you want something reasonable with great specs.
If no Android your only choices are iPad or Chromebook. There are Chromebooks with touchscreens, but I don't know if any turn into tablets
The surface is a PC that happens to work as a tablet, but make no mistake, it is a PC. If like PC features, get a surface.
I'm really debating between the macbook and the chrome book pixel 2 or if there will be a 3, thanks to you guys...
I just ordered this. http://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ZZOXCOC?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00 For the money, it seems pretty great.
I'm curious - does that Excel for other platforms have full functionality? It seems like MS always holds something significant back. Thanks.