Apple, Microsoft, Windows, or another?

[Jennie]

I'm looking into getting something like an iPod or a tablet of some sort. I don't have a whole lot of experience with anything other than Apple products, but I would like to be able to use programs like Microsoft Word/Excel that would only be available on a Microsoft tablet. I would be using a tablet for school related purposes, and then the general social media purposes.

I am having a little trouble deciding which kind of device to get though. Here's how I see it:

1) If I were to get an iPod, it would be a whole lot easier to carry around with me everywhere, and it would be less noticeable. I would be able to listen to music on it without any difficulty. But I would have a hard time typing up word documents and other things for school on an iPod.
2) If I were to get some sort of tablet, I would easily be able to use it as more of a laptop/computer. It would have the same capabilites as an iPod as well, but it would be a whole lot bigger, so I couldn't just listen to music on it while walking down the street (that would look slightly odd).

Assuming I can only purchase one, which device should I get? A tablet, or just a regular iPod? Or should I look into something in between the two like an iPad Mini? (Are there any Microsoft Tablets that are the size of an iPad Mini?)

Any advice would be much appreciated! Thank you!!!

[Forever Alone]

no

[Callum]

Try the nexus 7, believe me I have a iPad mini and a nexus 7. The nexus 7 is half the price and in my opinion is a lot more customisable. Most apps.you can get collab with windows computers e.g. your Microsoft office tools etc. I don't think you will be dissapointed. I hope this helps

[sparky57fire]

Do know Microsoft and Windows are the same company? Windows is a name of a program.

I prefure Android/Google programed tables. More apps are free, have better prograde bases. Not over priced. I can buy a ipad or for at least $100 less buy the equivalent Android tablet.

[stickyn1]

I run Shawk Technology Inc. http://www.shawktech.com and I provide APPLE iPads to our employees for the field and YES you can open, view and edit Excel, Word, and other documents in APPLE products.
They are a bit on the larger side but there are adapters that allow you to use them VIA a bluetooth headphone, keyboards, printers, and so much more.

If i were in school, i would def. get a tablet from Apple, so many uses, so easy to use. Buy a separate cheap MP3 player or the bluetooth headphones if music that important.

[Minister of Truth]

Don’t buy anything w/o reading CR.
.
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/about
.
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/how-w…
.
"Consumer Reports is a nonprofit, expert, independent organization” that tests a wide range of products and services in detail and publishes the results in a monthly mag and website, fee
for full access. Mag avail @ many bookstores n libraries.


==

there are open source, non Microsoft progs that emulate MS Office; maybe they'r ported to mobiles: Office Libre , and Open Office.

[jimgmacmvp]

Macbook Air. It's the thinnest device with a full keyboard and full operating system. You can install Microsoft Office on your MacBook air.