PC vs Tablet when dealing with Windows 8

[MrsWargamer]

Ok I am only commenting on Windows 8 here. So regardless of the facts, this is about Windows

I have experienced Windows 8.1 on a computer, a real one. It wasn't so bad.

Today though, I experienced Windows 8.1 on a tablet. The most disgusting, unsatisfying experience I have had with a piece of electronics in as long as I can remember.

It's amazing how lame the OS can be on a device that only has the OS to work with (ie no mouse or any form of storage device).

I bought an HP Streamer tablet today, seemed like a nice price eh. I made the mistake thinking the OS would behave about the same as Android or iOS. Not, not even close. Windows 8.1 on a tablet, is Windows 8.1 on a PC with really no difference. That's the problem, a tablet is NOT a PC. It is a small hand held device.

It doesn't alter, or adjust, or in any fashion make easier the process of selecting the typical commands that you would perform on a PC with the addition of a mouse and keyboard and likely numerous storage options.

Now it might be the item is lacking in some storage choices, but, Windows is Windows, it isn't going to be any different anywhere else. In other words, it will suck supremely in any device that uses it that relies solely on a touch surface.

Word to the wise. It has long been considered, that PC rules wargaming. And you can even deal with Windows 8.1. But, take a VERY wide path from ANY form of tablet that uses Windows.

You might not like tablets, but, at least Android and iOS work and do a great job of performing their function.

This tablet is going back tomorrow. I'd take it back right now if I hadn't already been to the mall twice today

[Fred98]

I have an ASUS T100 Netbook that doubles as a tablet.

It is running under WIN 8.1

I have installed 2 x wargames.

In its role as a netbook I use a small wireless mouse and attach a USB stick from time to time.

The screen comes off and the device is now a tablet.

In its role as a tablet I read things and surf the net.

I was pleasantly surprised to find that wargames, not designed for touch screens, work perfectly well with the touch screen.

On my desktop, netbook and phone I have Win 8.1 and I am always logged into my Microsoft account.

As a result they work together well. Sometimes things surprise me.

One example: I add a fav to my internet explorer on my desktop and then open the netbook: the fav has been added there as well! Great feature!

[MrsWargamer]

Glad to hear it.

The worthless excuse of a device known as the HP Stream though, doesn't have any usb ports so you won't be plugging in anything to it. It has the dumbest method I have ever experienced for adding a micro sd slot. It was unable to handle running anything, so installing anything wasn't going to happen. It not being a netbook it obviously has no keypad either.

Then there's how Windows is one size only on a tablet apparently, VERY small, so unless you like hitting the wrong spot more than not.

The fact you like Explorer though makes me wonder about ya

I'm used to all my machines talking to each other normally. My laptop and my tablets (the good ones using Android) have no trouble staying in touch. When I install software, I'm actually used to it.

I never really knew how lousy Windows 8 was until I was stuck using it on a device where I had no input devices to work with. Under those conditions, Windows 8 is the dumbest program on the market.

It's rather amazing how well Android does things that Windows can't seem to do at all.

[Fred98]

ORIGINAL: MrsWargamer

Then there's how Windows is one size only on a tablet apparently, VERY small, so unless you like hitting the wrong spot more than not.

Are you referring to the icons? Select an icon and it can be resized. The Android and Apple icons cannot be resized.

The icons I use most often I make into larger sizes.

[MrsWargamer]

Just walk away Joe, mumble something about 'dumb woman' and we will both be alright

It's been a really crappy week more or less.

My computer boyfriend told me if I used TeamViewer I'd be able to do all the work on the laptop to make it look proper among other things.

I wish I understood these things as well as he did.

[aaatoysandmore]

ORIGINAL: Joe 98

I have an ASUS T100 Netbook that doubles as a tablet.

It is running under WIN 8.1

I have installed 2 x wargames.

In its role as a netbook I use a small wireless mouse and attach a USB stick from time to time.

The screen comes off and the device is now a tablet.

In its role as a tablet I read things and surf the net.

I was pleasantly surprised to find that wargames, not designed for touch screens, work perfectly well with the touch screen.

On my desktop, netbook and phone I have Win 8.1 and I am always logged into my Microsoft account.

As a result they work together well. Sometimes things surprise me.

One example: I add a fav to my internet explorer on my desktop and then open the netbook: the fav has been added there as well! Great feature!

That's what I use with WinXP though and you wouldn't believe all the Matrixgames an other games that run and run well on it (running is one thing, graphics resolutions are another). I have the old Combat Mission, Mad Minutes Take command game and Fields of Glory that unbelieveable run well on it. The only issue I have are the screen sizes they didn't make games so well to adust for the screen size it must use. That's why I won't invest in any of these Matrixgame/Slitherine games for the tablets because they didn't support the Netbook resolution sizes when it was a fad and that's all this tablet mess is is a fad. It'll go by the wayside like all the other gadgets. The PC will still rule when the dust all falls away. [:D]

At least the netbook plays most of the library of the Matrixgames/Slitherine group. These tablets don't.

[MrsWargamer]

Tablets aren't a fad any more than cars are dear

I've been happy to walk for more than 50 years. Some people just don't need or want some things.

There isn't a game on my computer that is better than one on my table, but we occasionally don't mind that either

[aaatoysandmore]

We'll see. Remember Beta max? 8-track tapes and players? Vinyl record players? Black n white tv's? Cassettes and cassette players? VCR's? The 100's by now of cell phone types. What are the up to now 4g? 5g? These are just a "few" things that came and went. What makes you think tablets are going to be any different? They're a fad and something else will come along better than them. These new watch computers are starting to show up more and more now. Even more convenient than a tablet because most people aren't playing games 24/7 like you or me. They just want to be able to browse the web at a low cost and something that is easy an convenient to use. The watch pad/phone will be the next fad. [:)]

[MrsWargamer]

Your list implies PC were here before all of it, and will be here long after all of it though.

I can still buy a turntable, they still sell NEW vinyl records, tape is still being used, cell phone tech is merely evolving to greater capacities. These things haven't 'gone' as you say, they were merely over taken by more advanced technology.

The PC hasn't been the same device along it's life span. It used to need tape, then they developed hard drives, then they developed floppy discs that actually were, then rigid discs, then cds to dvds to bluerays and now it's just easier to by large storage drives and flash sticks. The input devices have gone to wireless as well. I used to need to plug it in to the modem, now it merely needs to be near it. You used to be trapped in front of a monitor and now you can plug it in to almost anything.

I am not overly fond of the specific model and specific make, but when you say PC and tablet, you are missing an important detail. One is merely smaller than the other. They are BOTH computers. My PS3 is a computer too. You are seeing imaginary 'fads' that don't exist.

The only thing that separates my laptop from my tablet, is weight and size. I can't put my laptop in my purse, I can put my tablet in my purse though. And the tablet is technically identical to the PC in that they are both computers.

Pickup trucks are all not a fad by the way. You don't need to really get a tractor trailer to have a real truck

[d714]

It seems this thread is more about windows 8.1, or the make of tablet that was purchased (one without USB ports? no mouse? no storage?). It's also somewhat erratic - in post one the OP says a "a tablet is not a PC", the last thread is completely opposite in saying a tablet is a PC "one is merely smaller then the other...they are both computers". huh?

That aside, I wholly endorse a windows tablet for gaming. Not all gaming, you still have to compromise, but the benefit is the same as laptops - portability, even better because, being smaller, it's even more portable. So I have various desktops and laptops and PS3 and PS4, but I love my little HP Omni 10. It's not the most powerful out there, it won't run the latest Total War, but it does pretty good with most games that are not graphically intensive - John Tiller's games, SC2, Gates of Troy. The Take Command 2M works great.

Now I am not a fan of W8.1 and really don't like the touch interface, but it's there. Android? Well I have it on my phone, but you are limited to very basic games even if it was on my tablet. Here I get real windows, and every game past and present that has been made for windows. I can't stand the metro screen so I am mostly on the desktop mode. Now, touch interface with that will indeed be a nightmare. It's a nonissue for me - I almost exclusively use a Bluetooth mouse. It tracks on anything, works on a table, couch, bed, my right leg, etc. The mouse is programmable - so in a game like TC2M I have all the hot keys programmed in - pause, speed up time, move up/down command layers, etc. Everything. No keyboard needed. ALL games I program buttons and use just one single mouse for everything.

So, for simple comfort and convenience, windows tablet gaming is the new reality for me.

[aaatoysandmore]

ORIGINAL: MrsWargamer

Your list implies PC were here before all of it, and will be here long after all of it though.

I can still buy a turntable, they still sell NEW vinyl records, tape is still being used, cell phone tech is merely evolving to greater capacities. These things haven't 'gone' as you say, they were merely over taken by more advanced technology.

The PC hasn't been the same device along it's life span. It used to need tape, then they developed hard drives, then they developed floppy discs that actually were, then rigid discs, then cds to dvds to bluerays and now it's just easier to by large storage drives and flash sticks. The input devices have gone to wireless as well. I used to need to plug it in to the modem, now it merely needs to be near it. You used to be trapped in front of a monitor and now you can plug it in to almost anything.

I am not overly fond of the specific model and specific make, but when you say PC and tablet, you are missing an important detail. One is merely smaller than the other. They are BOTH computers. My PS3 is a computer too. You are seeing imaginary 'fads' that don't exist.

The only thing that separates my laptop from my tablet, is weight and size. I can't put my laptop in my purse, I can put my tablet in my purse though. And the tablet is technically identical to the PC in that they are both computers.

Pickup trucks are all not a fad by the way. You don't need to really get a tractor trailer to have a real truck

You're missing the point. Though those things may still be around in very small order and quantities they are not as popular as the new stuff so they are basically out of the picture. How many people you know who have a black n white tv for viewing things? Who has and plays 8 track tape players religiously. Sure you can still get vinyl records but they aren't popular the the more recent artists are not using them. You can find some old Sinatra records and buyers though I bet. lol And beta max's I haven't seen one of them in the store since the 70's. They came and went and died to the vcr which is on it's way out for the DVD players an recorders. Only reason they are still around is because of the old fogies. Once we are gone bye bye VCR's.

The point is things change and as you say the PC has changed even got less in price. But, a lot of the things that it started with are obsolete and gone. The tape drives, the floppy disc players, hell even cdroms will probably be gone soon. Where's the 3-1/2 floppy disc drive that used to be installed in PC's that were new? (old just has to make way for the new) Thus tablets will be old news in a few years and something else will take its place just wait and see. The netbook didn't really last and it's more powerful than a tablet. How many old dos games can you download and use on a Tablet? How many commodore 64 games or Amiga games with emulators will work on it?

The VIC 20?? how many of those do you see in stores now? I'm not even sure the Commodore 64 is alive an well anymore. It's certainly not on the main store shelves here in America.

The main point is tablets will fall by the wayside for something else. Even like the PC is falling (not totally gone yet from a business standpoint but a gaming platform the console has taken over) The PC can be used for more than just games. So can the tablet but the tablet has no where near the POWER and storage capacity of a PC. Therefore it's just a toy really. Sure right now it's popular but in 10 years when the PC is still around the tablet will be something else. (doorstops and garbage probably)[:D]

[Richie61]

There are (2) versions of Windows 8.1.
Win 8.1 RT - app based
and
Win 8.1 - PC based

I bought two MS Surfaces for my boys and they have Win 8.1 RT. I thought I was getting Win 8.1 like on my older
MS Surface Pro.

I now have two units that are complete waste. I can't even get Fire Fox on them since all they will run is apps
from the MS app store.

So, I feel your pain, but 2x [&:]

The cost is a bit more but the Surface PRO is a full fledged laptop computer in a tablet form.

[MrsWargamer]

Windows RT, yah, I feel sad for anyone buying THAT crap indeed. I suppose RT stands for Really Terrible.

Anyway, meanwhile some people actually think tablets are not staying, whatever young man, you keep telling yourself that. Everything is really just becoming everything else actually. Consoles are really just custom PCs, and PCs are becoming smaller and smaller to the point they will eventually just be tablets as well. A phone used to only be a phone too And then there is that breakthrough science discovery with graphene. Really looking forward to that have an effect on technology.

I kind of caved in to the inevitable here though. I originally bought a mini keyboard as I wanted to be able to type on something physical if I needed to type more than a couple of words. Yesterday I bought something I was not aware existed to be honest. I now have a matching HP brand bluetooth mouse. Incredibly small thing too, well it's flat at least. So now my Windows using tablet is really just a micro computer in every sense of the word. I can hold it like a tablet if I want. I can do plenty on it with fingers, or, if I need to, I can use the mouse. Or if required I can use the keyboard.

But the thing is, YOU can't put your computer in your purse (granted you men don't normally carry one). My mini computer has as a result of my fiddling and adding been made able to run Battle Academy, Panzer Corps, Conflict of Heroes, Strategic Command, TOAW III, and Unity of Command.
Now you can say what you want about PCs, but saying a tablet isn't able to keep up, well, it just isn't an argument you're going to win.

And please don't mention silly monstrosity titles like War in the East I COULD put that on the tablet too, but I find it lacking in thrill regardless of what is running it. I don't really consider the experience any better just because it's displayed on my sony TV.

I suspect I'd rather just have all my games ported to Android, but, I don't expect that to happen.
Not sure which tablet to carry with me now. Android has a lot of good programs too.
I suppose I could carry both, might need to ditch some of my other junk though

[Richie61]

I bought my first MS Surface Pro with Win 8. Thought it was Win 7. I still love it. Built in key board and USB.
It's a computer, not a tablet. [:D]
MS photo [:)]


Even have AutoCAD on it [;)]

[d714]

Yes, some tablets on the market are just as powerful as PC desktops - with I7 CPU's, 16bg ram, and tb of internal storage. The only difficulty is in upgrading it, as are most laptops. It just depends on how much you want to spend.
However this is what games I can play flawlessly on my <$300 HP Omin 10, with a simple programmable Bluetooth mouse interface:
-TOAW COW (the old original)
-TCM2
-Gates of Troy
-SC The Great War
-March of the Eagles
-Knights of Honor
-Battleground Napoleon
-Battleground Civil War
-Battle Academy
-For Liberty
-Ultimate General Gettysburg.

I've had a few other demo's as well. ALL are on my tablet currently, a few working off the steam client. Because of the limited internal memory of this tablet model (32gb, 8.1 OS takes over half of this), I have most of the games loaded on a 32 gb memory card placed in the memory slot. It plays flawlessly off the card. I had trouble playing For Liberty on Windows 8.1 so I even added a virtual XP drive on this memory card using VMware - with a few tweaks it runs fine. A few games I had trouble with, those that predate the mutli-core period - the original TW Rome, runs, but just a bit too slow to be enjoyable. The Scourge of War demo - same thing, just a bit too slow. Wars in America - also the map seems a bit too large to fully load and scroll seamlessly. Better and more expensive tablets will no doubt play these games with ease.

As far as them just being a fad, everything will be shaped by the market and technology - gaming will all go to streaming soon, so technically you won't even need a PC, just a means to connect and interact. And you will do that via TV or console or whatever is most convenient for the consumer. PC's and gaming will cease to be connected with each other. This will happen within the next decade. PC's itself will eventually become obsolete in it's current form, to be replaced by chips you insert into your brain or something.

[MrsWargamer]

Well as I mentioned in my last comment, the advent of a substance called graphene is going to likely throw everything out the window to a point.

Wonderful substance, interesting implications for battery technology as well.