help understanding tablets operating system differences

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samr4560

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Jun 24, 2015
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Hi all,
As I'm planning to buy a tablet, I was just wondering if someone could bring me up to date on the different operating systems they use and the pros/cons- I've done some reading up on it, but I'm still not clear on few things:
1. What version of Android is "current" for tablets?
2. What is Windows RT like? Were there multiple versions of it? Will it continue to be developed or is it dead?
3. Can I get programs like MS Word on Android? (Or something similar?)

Thanks a lot!
 
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Ant_Teh_Nee


Here is my idea of the answers of these questions.

1. The newest version of Android's stock model OS is Android Marshmallow (6.0) PS There are different, altered versions of Android OS on some tablets (Such as Samsung's version of Lollipop)...
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why_wolf

why_wolf

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Aug 28, 2015
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1. Most current android is 6.0 Marsh Mellow followed by 5.0 Lollipop. I'm unsure if any tablets have 6.0 by default.

2. Windows RT is dead if you find one even for cheap do not buy. All the Windows tablets you see now are running full x86 windows. If you want to see a good example of it check out the Surface 3 or if you want to spend big bucks the Surface Pro 4. The battery life problem that lead to RT *cough Intel* has largely been fixed now.

3. Yes. Microsoft is finally pushing out their office suite to everything. It's on iOS, Android, Mac and of course Windows. Only one left out still is Linux. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.microsoft.office.word&hl=en

For just a tablet, unless you're being really cheap, the iPad is still my recommendation. If however you want to merge your tablet with a laptop or other 2nd computer than I recommend a Windows device, specifically the Surface line.

Currently rocking the Surface Pro 4 myself.
 
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samr4560

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Jun 24, 2015
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Thanks for your fast reply- I've been investigating tablets as a way of carrying around readings, lecture notes, and sheet music. (I'm a university music student.) I've heard only good things about IPads, but I think they are all out of my price range! I've been watching an open box Lenovo S6000 which at the moment is what I will likely go for. It runs Android 4.2, which is why I asked about using MS Word and such. Just curious, can devices typically be upgraded to the most recent version?

Thanks again!
 
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why_wolf

why_wolf

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I'm not sure with android, I don't own any. But my general understanding is yes, especially with the tablets. But I really don't know how well it works.

Side note the Word app requires version 4.4 minimum and 1 GB of RAM so you'll have to upgrade for sure to use it.
 
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samr4560

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Jun 24, 2015
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Thanks the for the heads up, I'll take a look! Unfortunately because of tuition payments I probably can't afford more than about $200 CAD, which I why I've been watching open box stuff. There are a few 8'' options in that range, however I don't know how comfortable they are to read sheet music off of, which is why I was considering the 10.1'' Lenovo S6000- I'm always open to other recommendations though!
 
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Supermuncher85

Supermuncher85

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Well deals come and go, blackfriday(BF) is coming up (assume it's also in Canada if it's here in the US). Should find some deals there. I bought a samsung galaxy tab pro for $200 on BF retail was $400.

You might be surprised at least I was able to find high end last gen tablets discounted by ludicrous amounts, that beat any low end tablet sales both in price and spec I could find.
 
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samr4560

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Jun 24, 2015
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Thanks, I'll keep my eye out!
 
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Ant_Teh_Nee

Ant_Teh_Nee

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Feb 24, 2016
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Here is my idea of the answers of these questions.

1. The newest version of Android's stock model OS is Android Marshmallow (6.0) PS There are different, altered versions of Android OS on some tablets (Such as Samsung's version of Lollipop). Sometimes these altered versions have more or less features on them (or look horrible), so be careful!

2. Since there is already a Windows 10 Mobile version of RT on some mobile Windows devices (even on some that were originally marketed with Windows RT depending on where you buy them), I wouldn't expect them to add many more updates on it before it's dropped.

3. Yes, but I believe it is not free (You need a subscription just like on computers).

Good luck!
 
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