Help me choose an Android Tablet

[AggieMike88]

For our auto/truck salvage yard, we are about to subscribe to a mobile software solution that will run on the Android platform and works best for me on the tablets. I need help identifying which one would be a good value for the dollars spent.

The current specs I need to fit are:

• have the ability for a cellular data plan (preferably AT&T)
• must be Android operating system 3.2 or higher
• have at least a a 7” screen, but I'm thinking more iPad size
• be able to use the Square credit card reader and app.

What brands and models should I be focusing on?

 

[jtheune]

How firm is the cellular connection requirement? Can you get by with WIFI in your yard or using your phone as a hotspot? That will open things a bunch and maybe save you money.

 

[Rob Schaffer]

I would say the Nexus 7, as it is a great tablet for the value and first your items 1-3, but it doesn't support an imput thru the headphone jack so it doesn't have the ability currently to use the card reader. You may be able to use the app, but you'd have to manually enter the number each time.

 

[CT4ME]

Stay away from the crappy ones! I think the Google Nexus units (7" and 10") are perhaps the best, but don't have cellular service now. Supposedly, that will change soon. Of course, you could always get a MyFi thing or enable tethering from a LTE phone.
Otherwise, Samsung, ASUS, Acer, Sony and even the Kindle Fire HD are good choices.
Samsung really has a lot to choose from. But you might start at the Cellular Carrier first, since you can only buy what they offer!

 

[LDJones]

Most popular options are pretty much the Galaxy Tab 2 (both 10" and 7") or the Nexus (7" and 10"), although there are some others.

http://www.techradar.com/news/mobile-computing/tablets/15-best-android-tablets-in-the-world-905504

http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.ht...b-20&hvadid=2277658973&ref=pd_sl_561b9eh1hj_e

 

[Rob Schaffer]

Looks like the big limitation for the Nexus 7 is the mic-in jack to use the actual reader hardware with the tablet. Some suggestions from the square website,...

Google Android device compatibility

Many Android devices are supported at this time. Supported Android devices have:

• Google Android 2.2 or higher (Honeycomb or modified versions of Android are not supported)
• A 3.5mm headset jack with microphone (audio jack adaptors are not supported)
• A screen size specified as Normal or Large (Small screen sizes are not supported)
• GPS enabled
• Access to Google Play

Supported Android devices include but are not limited to the following:

• Motorola DROID X
• Samsung Galaxy S III
• Samsung Galaxy Nexus

Please confirm that your Android device meets these requirements with your phone carrier or device manufacturer. If you're planning to purchase a device specifically for using either app, please visit the section below to learn which devices have known compatibility issues.

 

[LDJones]

Stay away from the crappy ones! I think the Google Nexus units (7" and 10") are perhaps the best, but don't have cellular service now. Supposedly, that will change soon. Of course, you could always get a MyFi thing or enable tethering from a LTE phone.
Otherwise, Samsung, ASUS, Acer, Sony and even the Kindle Fire HD are good choices.
Samsung really has a lot to choose from. But you might start at the Cellular Carrier first, since you can only buy what they offer!

The Nexus 7 has an AT&T cellular option:
https://play.google.com/store/devices/details?id=nexus_7_32gb_hspa_att

 

[CT4ME]

Too bad about the Google Nexus not working with the Square Reader... maybe you can just use the App without sliding, and pay the extra $$$. There are other card processing services out there...

 

[AggieMike88]

How firm is the cellular connection requirement? Can you get by with WIFI in your yard or using your phone as a hotspot? That will open things a bunch and maybe save you money.

The solution is for my delivery drivers. https://www.facebook.com/taketheezroute

The cellular data component is so the app can connect to the online routing system, and get/transmit updates (new stops, completed stops, and more)

The system/service provides the means for me to track the tablet and see where the drivers are in near real time.

The territory is mainly the DFW metro-mess, but we range out to 150 mile radius.

 

[LDJones]

Too bad about the Google Nexus not working with the Square Reader... maybe you can just use the App without sliding, and pay the extra $$$. There are other card processing services out there...

Because it is not a phone, it needed only a headphone jack, not a headphone/mic combination, which is what the card readers for Square leverages. I was disappointed by this, too, but realized after the fact why it is so. A headphone mic jack would have limited use...like using Skype with a headset.

 

[AggieMike88]

This solution provider shared some screen shots from a phone platform....

So using one of the larger phablets like the Galaxy Note might be an option...