First time tablet buyer. Please help.

[smoats]

So I'm looking in to finally buying a tablet (mostly for movies mainly MKV files and browsing the web), but I have no experience in this field. I looked on newegg and used their buying guide and came up with a few options.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834230172&cm_mmc=cnetfinders-_-TabletFinder-_-na-_-na

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834230478&cm_mmc=cnetfinders-_-TabletFinder-_-na-_-na

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA27M0PC2040&cm_mmc=cnetfinders-_-TabletFinder-_-na-_-na

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834230173&cm_mmc=cnetfinders-_-TabletFinder-_-na-_-na

My budget is about (US) $250. The only thing I know for sure is that it has to be able to play at least 720p movies and have expandable memory since I will be keeping a lot of movies on there. As you can tell by the links above I don't mind if it's a refurb.

 

[inanition02]

So I'm looking in to finally buying a tablet (mostly for movies mainly MKV files and browsing the web), but I have no experience in this field. I looked on newegg and used their buying guide and came up with a few options.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834230172&cm_mmc=cnetfinders-_-TabletFinder-_-na-_-na

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834230478&cm_mmc=cnetfinders-_-TabletFinder-_-na-_-na

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA27M0PC2040&cm_mmc=cnetfinders-_-TabletFinder-_-na-_-na

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834230173&cm_mmc=cnetfinders-_-TabletFinder-_-na-_-na

My budget is about (US) $250. The only thing I know for sure is that it has to be able to play at least 720p movies and have expandable memory since I will be keeping a lot of movies on there. As you can tell by the links above I don't mind if it's a refurb.

Tegra 2 is really too slow to play most MKVs at high bitrates (720p+) - I have the TF101 and the A100 and both struggle with most HD MKVs. I'd go with the TF201 or newer (something with the Tegra3). Those should handle it better - btw, movies aside, I love my Transformer and use it all the time.

 

[smoats]

Would the TF201 be able to play a 720p mkv without stuttering, lag or skipping? I ask because right now I'm using my HTC Thunderbolt and it has the above mentioned problems.

 

[drifter77]

How about the Nexus 7:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834230663

It plays 720p well and it's stable and fast.

 

[smoats]

It is a good tablet, but the non expandable memory just kills it for me.

 

[drifter77]

It is a good tablet, but the non expandable memory just kills it for me.

I have my Nexus 7 hooked up to an OTG adapter cable (under $10) and you can stick any flash drives for expandable storage. Granted, an internal microSD card wouldn't take much space, but they missed it out on the N7. Overall it's a sleek and powerful tablet, best Android tab I have so far.

 

[inanition02]

Would the TF201 be able to play a 720p mkv without stuttering, lag or skipping? I ask because right now I'm using my HTC Thunderbolt and it has the above mentioned problems.

Anything with the Tegra3 (or Tegra4 now) should, yes.

 

[Asus_USA]

I would suggest the TF700 over the TF201. For sure the TF700 can handle all your HD viewing needs, plus the screen is beautiful. The Nexus 7 is great too, but it is a little smaller and there is no expandable memory.

 

[inanition02]

I would suggest the TF700 over the TF201. For sure the TF700 can handle all your HD viewing needs, plus the screen is beautiful. The Nexus 7 is great too, but it is a little smaller and there is no expandable memory.

Of course you would suggest the newest (and most expensive) Asus Transformer, given that you're the official rep

I suppose given the time that's passed I would up my recommendation to the TF300. 700's great, but overkill for watching videos.