Android Tablets, are they safe?
 

Hi Forum Members

Some of you may have caught some posts of mine where I said that I plan to buy a Tablet in the near future, although not specified at the time I was thinking along the lines of an Android Tablet. Simply because Apple Tablets, I believe, cost more than they are worth and are probably status symbols or fashion statements for the owners.

As Android tablets are competitively priced and possess more functionality than I will ever need I feel, rather than know, that this has got to be the most advantageous way to go.

However, because it seems that Android O/S has no central authorisation route to curb the excesses of its app writers. This has lead to dodgy companies writing booby-trapped apps with impunity to either extract money from users credit cards, bank accounts or even collecting personal data to sell.

Check out this link:

BBC News - Data haul by Android Flashlight app 'deceives' millions

I know that most of us have seen adverts where it is suggested that you can use your Android Tablet to do your shopping or carry out any other financial transaction. But at the moment, and until Android OS is properly regulated by Google, I believe you can only use a Tablet for entertainment only.


UK Bob

when you search for apps for your android device it is pretty obvious which ones can be fully trusted. But as you state, senselessly clicking for apps without a care in the world is not a good idea.

I bought a Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 for my mom and she's much happier with that than the Windows laptop she had before. She isn't very good at using computers as a whole.

If you really want to use your tablet, then I would recommend the Galaxy Note 10.1 2014, which packs as much punch as the iPad, with the added option of using a stylus for both regular usage and also drawing, graphics and picture editing.

As far as I have gathered from reviews the only benefits the new iPad Air has over the Galaxy info is slightly better, batteri life, 3D rendering as well as audio editing features.

While the Galaxy Note has the stylus, more computing power, more choices in apps, better resolution and better connectability.

Android Tablets
 

Hi Sleepless

Thanks for the benefit of your experience, I would like to take this opportunity to ask you a few questions.

You said:You know, this reminds me of the many discussions we have had with newbies running around the Internet buying "Free Limewire Basic" from scam sites, so you see the flavour of where I'm coming from. Anyway, baring in mind I am likely to be looking at apps for the first time, how can I or any newbie tell if he is installing and or using a bogus/harmful app?

You have also said:You have confirmed what I have been reading about Tablets, i.e. older users prefer them to laptops. I would just like to ask if your mum has ever used her Tablet to, say, buy her groceries?

Also, have you bought and/or installed any protective apps for your mum's Tablet, such as Anti-Virus, firewall, etc. and if so what?

Finally, I will take your advice and look into getting a Galaxy 10" TAB 3.

Cheers


UK Bob

Regarding the apps for Android, if in doubt use Google to look at reviews and what others say. By obvious I mean it's most times pretty easy to see what is official e.g.

https://play.google.com/store/search...e&c=apps&hl=en

You see that the first three are made by Skype, while the rest have other developers. You can use google to see what others say about the apps and the developers.

Same with Antivirus (I personally haven't installed any on my moms tablet, since she does not do online shopping at all)

https://play.google.com/store/search...android&c=apps

You see free products from both Avira and AVG there, also TrustGo and then the various other lesser known.

There is no option for online shopping for groceries and similar, where I live, no I have absolutely no experience in that area.

I would recommend the Galaxy Note over the Galaxy Tab if you plan on using it a lot, although there is absolutely a price difference to be considered. If I was getting one for myself rather than my mom, I would have definitely ordered the Galaxy Note 10.1 2014 rather than Galaxy Tab 3.

BTW I had big trouble finding a protective casing with keyboard combo for the Tab 3, while it was easy to get one or the other separately. I ended up buying one unofficial Chinese no-name product made for the Galaxy Tab 2 (fake leather casing with bluetooth keyboard) and using a scalpel to cut the various needed holes for e.g. camera and buttons. Worked great.

Sleepless

Cheers for the info.


UK Bob

Bought a new 10.1" Tablet
 

Hi Guys

I just bought one of those no-name Android PC Tablets off Ideal World.

Since I am not going to do anything serious with this new device I thought I'd get one just for the fun of it, and it has been fun.

Once I connected this device to my network, via wi-fi, I found that I could access my data and films anywhere in my house. I must admit that you cannot do anything serious with a PC Tablet, other than (may be) compose emails etc. anything else is just a non-starter and best done on a PC, e.g. financial stuff.

Just one other thing to consider, The Android O/S is leaky by nature, always downloading and uploading stuff, so I would also suggest that you do not keep anything confidential on your Tablet.

UK Bob