What's A Good Android Tablet For My DCS WiFi?

I am using both a Samsung Tab A 10.1 and a Tab A 7.  Both are fine.  The former is a little bulky.  I also use a Galaxy 6 phone, but screen is cramped.

But you throw in another factor, price.  I bought the 7" at a sale at BJ's for $119 or thereabouts.  Battery life is fantastic.  Some of the el cheapos have poor life.

Google Nexus 7 gen two tablet is fabulous.

I recently decided to add an Android tablet to my DCS WiFi setup in order to be able to conduct future beta testing using both the iOS and Android platforms. In the process, I obtained somewhat of an education regrading low-enid (under $100) Android tablets.

In general, I learned that I was unable to find an Android.tablet for less than about $200 that came with the current version of Android 7.0 (Nougat). The best I could find in the $100 range was a tablet with Android 6.0.

I also found that the way in which Android is implemented for the same release varies across different manufacturer's tablets.

Lastly, I found that the tech support available also varied in satisfaction by tablet manufacturer.

After purchasing and returning a couple of tablets, I settled on an Insignia tablet from Best Buy (insignia is their house brand). It was $69.99 and was (I believe) an 8" tablet. It came with Android 6.0 (non-upgradeable),  16 Gig (I added a 64 Gig MicroSD card for a total of 80 Gig) and support from the Geek Squad.

The tablet has a decent Android GUI implementation with a screen shot button always available, a nice touch for beta testing.

Frankly, I find Android to be less to my taste than iOS, however, this tablet is decent, at least for purposes of operating the DCS App. Of course, your mileage may vary...

I would suggest you consider a 7" android. I purchased 2 android tablets (so grandchildren don't fight quite as much) , and find the 7" more to my liking than the larger ones because it is easily handheld.

With all due respect to Barry, I don't think its fair to compare a $70 android tablet to an iPad. But you really don't need an expensive android tablet, nor do you need more than 16 gig of memory (you can always add it later if you find that you need it). Generally, Samsung is (IMO) about the best at android tablets. I haven't tried them, but I would stay away from tablets which have specific overlays on the OS, such as the Amazon tablets. Personally, I picked up a 7" LG tablet for about $100 and it works great. I also got an Asus tablet, and I don't like the Asus tablet quite as much, but I can't give you a good reason why.

Gerry

Barry Broskowitz posted:

In general, I learned that I was unable to find an Android.tablet for less than about $200 that came with the current version of Android 7.0 (Nougat). The best I could find in the $100 range was a tablet with Android 6.0.

I think we've had reports of the DCS App running just fine on Android 4.X - Let's not create the impression that you need the latest and greatest to run this simple app...you don't.

Barry Broskowitz posted:

I also found that the way in which Android is implemented for the same release varies across different manufacturer's tablets.

This is true - lots of different visual themes out there - but the functionality is the same...touchscreen, icons, etc...

Barry Broskowitz posted:

Lastly, I found that the tech support available also varied in satisfaction by tablet manufacturer.

I'd me more concerned about tech support from MTH - and no so much my device vendor. And you'll find plenty of on-line forums where tech support is community based/crowd sourced...if you actually ever needed it.

Barry Broskowitz posted:

After purchasing and returning a couple of tablets, I settled on an Insignia tablet from Best Buy (insignia is their house brand). It was $69.99 and was (I believe) an 8" tablet. It came with Android 6.0 (non-upgradeable),  16 Gig (I added a 64 Gig MicroSD card for a total of 80 Gig) and support from the Geek Squad.

More non-issues...you don't need all that memory to run the DCS app. Geek Squad? Seriously? Barry you don't need Geek Squad...I think you are sufficiently geeky to work through any glitches!

I have an original Google Nexus 7 (made by Asus).  It is old as far as technology goes, but it still functions well.  If I were to sell it, I would ask around $50 but for $70, you could get the Insignia Barry discusses with a warranty; a better deal in my opinion.

The advise I give people who ask me about tablets is the same I give for TVs, go look at them.  When you find something that fits your needs, do a bit of research online to help you determine if it's a good choice or not.  What I wouldn't do when purchasing an Android device is get one from a phone carrier.  Sometimes they give great deals with a contract that has minimal cost.  But unlike Apple products, the phone companies are allowed to customize the Android distribution.  This results in "bloat" ware on the tablet you can't get rid of and updates that will slow the device down prematurely.  On the other hand, a device with cellular connectivity from the phone company is a great choice if you want to use it while traveling.

While I don't have any personal experience with them, I am told Amazon's Fire tablets while based on Android, do not work with the DCS app.

Personally, I prefer IOS devices.  I have a 7+ year old original iPad that still functions well.  I just picked up an iPad mini on sale through Verizon for $179.  It has a 2 year contract, but I had another iPad on their service that I disconnected so there was no increase to my cell bill.  I use the iPad when I travel for work as a Wifi hotspot.  My phone can do the Wifi hotspot but using the iPad saves my phone battery.  IMHO, a lightly used or refurbished iPad mini would be a great choice but it would likely still be more than the device Barry likes.

Tony

All good advice above. Just remember that you can't mix apples and droids with the app. You need one MTH app for each operating system if you decide to change.

Gerry

Gerry,

I don't think its fair to compare a $70 android tablet to an iPad

I wasn't.

I was commenting on use of their operating systems, one iOS vs. several variations of Android, not the hardware itself.

Roving Sign,

I think we've had reports of the DCS App running just fine on Android 4.X - Let's not create the impression that you need the latest and greatest to run this simple app...you don't.

You don't - at present.

However, as any app matures it tends to take advantage, and require, newer operating system releases. The problem is by no means immediate, however, it one day will present itself and a tablet that can't "keep up" with the latest OS releases, iOS or Android, will need to be replaced if one desires to run the ;test version of any app.

I'd me more concerned about tech support from MTH - and no so much my device vendor. And you'll find plenty of on-line forums where tech support is community based/crowd sourced...if you actually ever needed it.

First of all, online communities won't help if the problem is with the tablet hardware. Second, due to the variation among Android devices, it can be difficult to find on-point information regarding a specific brand, so manufacturer support is more important. You wouldn't go to a Ford dealership for specific information about your Chevy.

More non-issues...you don't need all that memory to run the DCS app.

I didn't say that one does.

Geek Squad? Seriously? Barry you don't need Geek Squad...I think you are sufficiently geeky to work through any glitches!

Yes, I do! Diagnosing issues with Android tablet hardware is most definitely not in my wheelhouse.Further, some individuals are not as computer and technology-savvy as are others, and will at some point need support. In my experience, the Geeks provide excellent support of those products that Best Buy sells..

If I'm mistaken, please disregard the following. However, I get the distinct impression that you're seeking to pick a fight over what were my own impressions regarding the subject of this thread. If that's the case, kindly keep your comments to yourself.

Tony_V posted:

 What I wouldn't do when purchasing an Android device is get one from a phone carrier.  Sometimes they give great deals with a contract that has minimal cost.  But unlike Apple products, the phone companies are allowed to customize the Android distribution.  This results in "bloat" ware on the tablet you can't get rid of and updates that will slow the device down prematurely.  On the other hand, a device with cellular connectivity from the phone company is a great choice if you want to use it while traveling.

For running trains, you surely don't want a device that's linked to a cell contract/carrier. Better to have a dedicated device that's part of your setup. Wi-fi connectivity is all that is required.

The exceptions being the no-contract vendors like StraightTalk who offer refurbished phones for cheap, or free+shipping. You just need the hardware - not the service.

Not sure I've ever experienced "bloat" on an Android - and I wouldn't expect it to effect this relatively lightweight app. And since you really don't have to be connected to the internet - you wouldn't get updates anyway.

I have a samsung note 5 phone that I run the app on. Using my Ipad 3 I bought for lionels lcs apps would require me to spend another 20 dollars to get the mth premium version of the app. If I purchased a 100 andriod app as the poster is going to do. Will the 20 dollar mth app I have downloaded to my phone. Be on the android tablet? Or will I have to pay the 20 dollars to upgrade the android tablet?

Reason I would do a small android tablet is so I could keep the Ipad just for layout control with lionel lcs and the smaller tablet wich is easier to hold in the hands for running the trains. 

Lionelzwl2012 posted:

I have a samsung note 5 phone that I run the app on. Using my Ipad 3 I bought for lionels lcs apps would require me to spend another 20 dollars to get the mth premium version of the app. If I purchased a 100 andriod app as the poster is going to do. Will the 20 dollar mth app I have downloaded to my phone. Be on the android tablet? Or will I have to pay the 20 dollars to upgrade the android tablet?

Reason I would do a small android tablet is so I could keep the Ipad just for layout control with lionel lcs and the smaller tablet wich is easier to hold in the hands for running the trains. 

If I understand correctly - yes - you can put the app on the tablet without paying again.

Just make sure you have the same Google Play Store account setup on both devices.

I don't think it will automatically install on the tablet - so you may have do it manually - or you can log into your Google account from a web browser and control what is installed on devices registered to that account.

From personal exoerience I would recommend a used Ipad over a cheap new Android tablet. I bought a used refurb Ipad mini gen 3 from the Gamestop store while at York and it looks and works like new for only $170 on sale.

All wonderful comments! My statements are mainly to Barry himself.

Thank You. By saying that I mean I think it is great that you care enough about both sides of the app to go and purchase something (regardless of all the comments, I agree you bought what was best for you) so you could HELP those of us who do not and will not purchase apple products. Again I say thanks for caring about us too.

Second I would add with a chuckle as I was the one at the spring York DCS meeting that was told "YOU CAN UPGRADE YOURSELF IT IS EASY". Why chuckle? Because as I said back to you then "Why when you will do it". (Hence the Geek Squad)

Seems it has Finally came back around. Barry I think you are great and can not express how honored it is to have someone who cares enough about a product that they are willing to go into uncharted territory for them to help those on the other side. Sir I applaud You and again say Thank You!

I was using my iPad for the wifi at first but then decided I did not want to leave an iPad out in the train room.   

I went to Walmart to get a usb stick and they had an RCA android tablet on sale for just under $50.

I am usually a firm believer in you get what you pay for so my expectations for this tablet were not high.  But all I wanted was a cheap tablet to run the trains once in a while.

I have to admit that I was and still am pleasantly surprised.  The wifi app downloaded and worked perfectly.   I have not had any problems that were not of my mistakes.  

I bought it at about the same time the wifi module came out and so far it has worked fine.  Even taking into account my grandson dropped it once.

No question there are far better tablets but for what I needed, this worked out fine, so far.

Ed

Greetings All,

 Well, after burning the midnight oil looking at all kinds of Android Tablets I finally settled on the INSIGNIA 10.1" FLEX Android Tablet.   It is sold by Best Buy (Mr. Broskowitz indicated that it was their house brand) and is, IMO, perfect for my needs.   The screen is 10", it has 32 GB Memory on board, runs WiFi flawlessly and has Android 6.0 installed.   I was able to connect to my  home WiFi and down load the MTH Standard App.  If I choose to up-grade to the premium app later, it looks like MTH will credit what I paid for the Std. App toward the premium app. (correct me if I'm mistaken).   I gotta tell ya, this thing is Awesome!  It connected to the MTH WiFi quickly and I was able to add and run a couple of different engines without a hitch.   It will only be used to run trains (which is why I didn't want to spend more $$$ than I had to) and so far I have not been disappointed.   Thanks to everyone who responded to my call for help and especially Barry for pointing me in the right direction.

 Chief Bob (Retired)

PS.  It was on sale for $69.99.  How can ya beat that?

PUFFRBELLY posted:

Greetings All,

 Well, after burning the midnight oil looking at all kinds of Android Tablets I finally settled on the INSIGNIA 10.1" FLEX Android Tablet.   It is sold by Best Buy (Mr. Broskowitz indicated that it was their house brand) and is, IMO, perfect for my needs.   The screen is 10", it has 32 GB Memory on board, runs WiFi flawlessly and has Android 6.0 installed.   I was able to connect to my  home WiFi and down load the MTH Standard App.  If I choose to up-grade to the premium app later, it looks like MTH will credit what I paid for the Std. App toward the premium app. (correct me if I'm mistaken).   I gotta tell ya, this thing is Awesome!  It connected to the MTH WiFi quickly and I was able to add and run a couple of different engines without a hitch.   It will only be used to run trains (which is why I didn't want to spend more $$$ than I had to) and so far I have not been disappointed.   Thanks to everyone who responded to my call for help and especially Barry for pointing me in the right direction.

 Chief Bob (Retired)

PS.  It was on sale for $69.99.  How can ya beat that?

If it meets your needs, you can't beat it!  Good luck with it.

Tony