Actions
Forum Thread Details
  • Replies 32 replies
  • Subscribers 354 subscribers
  • Views 7380 views
  • Users 0 members are here
Related

Tablet / ChromeBook / laptop for tech hobby?

ntewinkel

Hi all, 

I’m thinking of getting a new tablet so that I’m not tied to my desk for hobby type projects.
I have a Mac as my main computer that I can use when I really need power and screen size, but for hobby things I’d rather work from the couch or table or art studio so I can be around my SuperArtGirl more.

I’m thinking an Android tablet gives the most choice and might be more compatible with external hardware.

I don’t know much about ChromeOS, but am curious what it can do.

We’re pretty much locked into Apple for everything else, so it might make sense to just go iPad in that it integrates with everything else.

Maybe upgrading my iPhone 8 Plus to something with a bigger screen might work? But then it would still have to be very portable, like pocket sized!

Mostly I’m wondering if a tablet allows me to work directly with Arduino and things like the Pi Pico, and tools like usb capable oscilloscopes and microscopes. Maybe the occasional 3D slicing and transfer to SD card for the printer, or run the CNC.

Maybe some functions can be sent to a Raspberry pi for final handling.

I feel like a laptop might be too big for general around the house browsing use.

What do you recommend?

Thanks!

Parents

  • Here’s a quick update - I was able to pick up a used 10.5” iPad Pro, the 2017 model, at a very reasonable price. It came with a keyboard case and an Apple Pencil, which were both accessories I was looking to get.

    I very quickly tried ArduinoCode, but haven’t figured it out yet. Must run, hope everyone is keeping well Slight smile

  • in reply to ntewinkel

    I think the Apple Pencil might be making this setup a lot more useful than I had originally imagined…

    Screenshot marked up with Apple Pencil

    That’s my very messy handwriting, but the pencil also makes it easy to add actual legible text. Right now I’m typing this comment using the iPad keyboard - so overall this is doing all the things I was hoping for, including these element14 posts! And the 10.5” screen is big enough that I don’t need reading glasses Laughing

    It looks like the above sort of sketches can be stored and shared with the Notes app, which could be handy.

    I’ll also look for some apps to help draw out circuits more neatly.

    In general, Apple has done a pretty good job of making everything just share seamlessly across my desktop and phone too… pretty slick.

    One limitation might be the direct hardware access - as it is, it looks like that ArduinoCode app needs something to be running on my desktop machine, which kind of defeats the purpose.

Reply
  • in reply to ntewinkel

    I think the Apple Pencil might be making this setup a lot more useful than I had originally imagined…

    Screenshot marked up with Apple Pencil

    That’s my very messy handwriting, but the pencil also makes it easy to add actual legible text. Right now I’m typing this comment using the iPad keyboard - so overall this is doing all the things I was hoping for, including these element14 posts! And the 10.5” screen is big enough that I don’t need reading glasses Laughing

    It looks like the above sort of sketches can be stored and shared with the Notes app, which could be handy.

    I’ll also look for some apps to help draw out circuits more neatly.

    In general, Apple has done a pretty good job of making everything just share seamlessly across my desktop and phone too… pretty slick.

    One limitation might be the direct hardware access - as it is, it looks like that ArduinoCode app needs something to be running on my desktop machine, which kind of defeats the purpose.

Children
  • in reply to ntewinkel

    Same here, I love it, and in fact Apple pencil was the only main reason I got an iPad : ) Its its best feature! I hoped to do some sketching of ideas, but would love some app recommendations, since I'm a complete newcomer to Apple stuff. So far I've only used Procreate, which is not bad but it's really for artists than diagram-drawing.

    For coding and day-to-day work I cannot see myself moving to Apple ecosystem however. I still prefer Windows laptop, plus a separate Linux server to log into, and Android phone for that.