Android Tablets

[Dragonking]

I thinking about using android tablets for our scouting team this year and I was wondering what tablets I should get. And where is the cheapest place to get them? I want to keep the price under $140 per tablet. Any other suggestions would be appreciated as well.

[Andrew Lobos]

We are considering using this one: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...0EJ-0019-00005

I have one that I'm testing with, and it's pretty good for the price. I'm writing a custom app for entering the information. Here is the code for what I have so far if you're interested: https://github.com/FRCTeam225/MatchScouting

[saikiranra]

Originally Posted by 4ndr3wl

We are considering using this one: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...0EJ-0019-00005

Were you able to test this tablet out with an USB to Ethernet connector? If so, did it work well?

[Andrew Lobos]

Originally Posted by saikiranra

Were you able to test this tablet out with an USB to Ethernet connector? If so, did it work well?

My plan for getting the data off the tablet was to use adb network forwarding to allow the tablet to connect to a web server running on a host computer (all the tablets would be connect to this computer in the stands).

I like your idea of using ethernet since it removes a lot of the complexity with spawning adb instances automatically for each tablet. I ordered one of these adapters that I'm going to try with a USB OTG cable. I'll let you know how it works when I get it.

[cmrnpizzo14]

I'm not sure if this has the functionality you need but in terms of price I don't really think it can be beat.

http://thecollegetablet.com/the-tablet.html

I have one right now and I like it. It has some trouble with Wifi, but if you are using ethernet it should probably be fine.

[DonRotolo]

Be careful relying upon WiFi; this has generally been prohibited at competition in the past, and is likely to continue to be prohibited.

[Ed Law]

We use bluetooth to transfer data between tablets. Works very well.

[dcarr]

Don't end up with a junky Android tablet that will be unbearably slow and see limited manufacturer support and updates.

This Asus model is essentially a re-launch of the Nexus 7 from 2012, and it's gotten good reviews from AnandTech and others.

http://www.amazon.com/MeMOPad-HD-7-I.../dp/B00E0EY7Z6

You could also look for refurbished or open box Nexus 7's (2012 edition), they should hit that price point or lower.

[Al Skierkiewicz]

Someone told me recently you can get one through Walmart for $69 using the internet shopping and have it shipped to a store.

[Michael Hill]

Originally Posted by Al Skierkiewicz

Someone told me recently you can get one through Walmart for $69 using the internet shopping and have it shipped to a store.

Not the Nexus 7 (http://www.walmart.com/ip/Nextbook-7...vices/22127002)

[npetrie3]

The HP Slate could be a nice choice. Also the Nook would work as it has the Google Play Store and is cheap. The HP Slate, however, runs stock Android, which is nicer. I would suggest using Google Drive/Docs to share stuff. Overall, the Nexus 7 (older model is cheaper) would be the best Android tablet, but not in your price point.

[Michael Hill]

Something important to consider is to make sure you can charge them and run off Ethernet at the same time. They will not last a whole day in competition without being charged (we've tried). If not, you're stuck using 3G/4G (which gets very expensive)

[protoserge]

Try DealeXtreme at www.dx.com. They have a plethora of cheap tablets. Just expect 2 weeks for delivery from Hong Kong to the US. Newegg posted an ASUS tablet today for $150 on sale.

[karomata]

Our team actually had our main sponsor, Harris Communications, donate prototype military grade tablets for our usage during the competition season. They were relatively simple to program (according to our programmers), and they ran off the andriod operating system. We could also connect them using ethernet cable and download all the information from the scouting tablets to a host tablet and also a coach tablet used by our drive team coach.

Additionally, because they were military grade, they were very durable. They were lightwieght, yet if a student dropped it on the cement floor, it would be fine.

I don't think these have hit the markets yet, since ours were prototypes and it will take a while even after its being used by the military, however we should definantly keep our eyes out for adriod tablets like those. They were great to use!

[jgustafson6156]

Originally Posted by Ed Law

We use Bluetooth to transfer data between tablets. Works very well.

Bluetooth isn't allowed at competitions ether.