Tablet for on-the-go IT/networking work?

For some time i've been a bystander to this whole tablet craze. I've been sitting back thinking to myself "where's the purpose?" and came to the conclusion that it's just a gadget with no true purpose (for the general user).

Up till now though I've thought it would be great to have either an ultrabook notebook or something similar to have as my main PC. Then having my usb-to-serial adapter, etc with me in my laptop bag. The reason why is when you're in those tiny comm closets you don't really have a place to set your 17" beast-of-a-laptop down. So if you had a lightweight and functional PC it would be awesome.

I'm now intrigued with the release of the nexus 10 and asus transformer infinity. The infinity comes with a "dock" which basically makes it a laptop.

Any thoughts on using a tablet as your main device for configuring network devices, remoting into servers, etc...?

Also just for fun, I'm going to add a poll nexus 10 vs asus transformer

. In case you didn't notice... the iPad isn't on here (it wasn't on accident

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Comments

Roguetadhg

neither.

I'd wait for the Windows Pro tablet. If I bought any, that would be it - even with the 4 hours of battery life, and the cost...

It's capable as a tablet and run normal programs - not "apps".

A lot easier to keep inventory, and look at excel while on the floor. I can definitely think of uses as an IT person when I can't exactly be at my desk.

ptilsen

I agree with Roguetadhg -- Surface Pro or ultrabook convertible.

If you're going to go with one of these two, the Transformer. Bottom line is that without a keyboard, it mostly just a toy. You can get some quick emails out or even brief work over LogMeIn or RDP, but it's so much less efficient without a keyboard.

If you want a toy, I don't see the appeal of Android tablets. The iPad is a better toy.

If you want a tool, I'm still in the Windows crowd, but the Transformer can at least get the job done well enough with RDP or LogMeIn.

I bring my iPad around everywhere because it's versatile, but when I'm traveling I end up tossing it in favor of my laptop for any serious work.

kriscamaro68

I agree with the above. You want a useful tablet for working on things get a surface pro.

tpatt100

Adding a keyboard to a tablet makes it look like a laptop but it's just a tablet with a keyboard. It's the operating system and app support. I found more apps I can use on iOS compared to Android but I still wouldn't try and use it to replace a laptop for work purposes.

veritas_libertas

LOL! I went to Google and would you believe...: Get Console - iPhone iPad Serial Cables and Terminal Apps

f0rgiv3n

veritas_libertas wrote: »

LOL! I went to Google and would you believe...: Get Console - iPhone iPad Serial Cables and Terminal Apps

Also, looks like we have a lot of Windows fans in here

Roguetadhg

I'm a fan of getting things done, with little hassle and headache as possible. I'll pay a little more for a homogeneous ecosystem that plays without a middle man [iTunes/apps] for transferring non-picture items. I choose not to want to spend my time fiddling with iOS/Android and spend more time working or studying or making my ***** posts at TechExams! I][SIZE=1]I'm a ***** in training.[/SIZE][/I

I've used the iPad thing and it was a pain in the rear. I've read a few times that it's improved, but I still have my doubts. I don't like needing iTunes to transfer, and then hope the app can integrate with Office.

tpatt100

Resistance is futile lol

vanquish23

Microsoft Surface Pro:

Surface with Windows 8 Pro combines the security and manageability that you expect from Microsoft.

Who lied about that statement? Who expects great security from Microsoft?

tpatt100

Dissing Microsoft about security is so 1990s lol

Iristheangel

vanquish23 wrote: »

Who lied about that statement? Who expects great security from Microsoft?

I guess that's why Microsoft isn't a leader in the network operating system market

All OSes are vulnerable. Microsoft has greatly improved their code since Windows 95/ME/Vista days. If you've ever tried Server 2012, it's a pretty solidly built NOS. Microsoft also owns a larger part of the market share so what do you think hackers target the most? If you want to believe that OSX or whatever Linux flavor you use isn't just as easy to get into, please meet me at Defcon and we'll turn on the WiFi on your laptop on the con floor for a nice demonstration

paulgswanson

If you want to believe that OSX or whatever Linux flavor you use isn't just as easy to get into, please meet me at Defcon and we'll turn on the WiFi on your laptop on the con floor for a nice demonstration

LOL!!! You tell them how it is!

tpatt100

The operating systems are way better than before, it's the third party plug ins that seem to dominate the CERT CVE listings when I check the weekly reports. Adobe, Java and I noticed Chrome is coming up a lot now also.

ptilsen

Iristheangel wrote: »

If you want to believe that OSX or whatever Linux flavor you use isn't just as easy to get into, please meet me at Defcon and we'll turn on the WiFi on your laptop on the con floor for a nice demonstration

Although I agree with your point in principle, just to play devil's advocate, would you extend that challenge to OpenBSD? I've not heard of anyone breaking into default OpenBSD outside of the two know remote vulnerabilities it has had in its lifetime.

For that matter, an iOS vulnerability remote vulnerability would surprise me (OSX would not). Of course, Windows firewall and most Linux distro firewalls are on by default, so saying "default" is of course not going to be much of a test.

Iristheangel

The second you believe any OS is secure is the second you open yourself up to being blindsided. If you look on OpenBSD's security page, you'll see a long history of vulnerabilities (OpenBSD Security)
As far as IOS, I've mentioned before how there have been valid exploits during hacking contests to remotely access it and there's this: Apple provides 197 security reasons to upgrade to iOS 6 | ZDNet
If there is less in comparison to more products that own more of the market share, well... there's your answer right there as to why that is.

This does not mean either of the two OSes I just mentioned aren't great. It just means we should never have a false sense of security. For every wisearse that believes they are more secure because they have XYZ OS, there's a bigger wisearse out there willing to knock them down a few pegs.

tpatt100

That was the thing I am despising about mobile phones. Security updates are almost nonexistent between os upgrades. And if you have a non Nexus Android phone you are even worse off. My Razr is the orginal and just turned 11 months old and Motorola only released upgrades for the absolutely newest Razrs.

chrisone

This should help in your decision.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=72e9xJBSfJ4

Also until the windows pro is out and there have been official battery life tests, we dont know the official battery life expectancy.

Iristheangel

That's the Surface RT they're comparing to the Asus Transformer. The regular Surface is probably more geared towards college students who need to use Office or want the split screen feature for various things. The Surface RT is hardly comparable to the Pro since the Pro will run regular x86 applications. The battery life doesn't bug me as much since I've been used to 4-5 hours since I've owned laptops. I'll sacrifice battery life for thinner and lighter weight. I, for one, am looking forward to using a touch screen to create my Visios, having packet tracer on a nice thin device, and being able to read my books on a "tablet."

I also go out on sites regularly, have to present at meetings and haul tons of stuff around so mobility and weight matter more to me than having the "OMG!-IT'S-TOP-OF-THE-LINE" specs. It all depends on your needs.

ptilsen

Iristheangel wrote: »

The second you believe any OS is secure is the second you open yourself up to being blindsided. If you look on OpenBSD's security page, you'll see a long history of vulnerabilities (OpenBSD Security)
As far as IOS, I've mentioned before how there have been valid exploits during hacking contests to remotely access it and there's this: Apple provides 197 security reasons to upgrade to iOS 6 | ZDNet

I'm asking specifically about remote exploits, since you challenged turning on WiFi at Defcon. I do not disagree with your philosophy here, which is that it is bad to assume any OS has perfect security. I'm speaking only in the context of remote vulnerabilities, of which OpenBSD has only had two in its history (as you'll note on the main page). AFAIK iOS hasn't had one since 2007 or 2008.

My point is that I would be shocked if someone could break into an out-of-the-box OpenBSD or iOS system just because WiFi was on. Again, I'd still be surprised if someone could break into out-of-the-box Windows, though less so.

Iristheangel

You're right. Most stuff out of box isn't going to be easy to break into and that's not the point I was trying to nail home. I know what you mean though

tpatt100

I remember when I upgraded the domain to 2003 way back and I stood a new 2003 server up. Joined it to the network and figured I could go back to my desk and just RDP to it and finish things up. Was like "uh RDP can't connect". Then learned that RDP wasn't on by default, got too used to Windows 2000 Server being wide open and "then" you had to lock it down.

nerdydad

I haven't gotten it yet, but I went with the Dell XPS 12, full laptop, i7 processor and 8gb ram, but can still use it as a tablet for training videos ect. I have an iPad, although my son has pretty much stolen it, along with the redpark console cable (for sale if you want to pm me), and the iPad works for most things, but the lack of a keyboard makes truly doing work too difficult.

SteveLord

tpatt100 wrote: »

Adding a keyboard to a tablet makes it look like a laptop but it's just a tablet with a keyboard.

+1. I remember when the Transformer first came out and it was being worshiped for this.....for some reason.

Roguetadhg

Because it can "Transform". I think Hasbro shat bricks and sued them for the name?

tpatt100

I think they Transformed on to Ebay or people forgot about the keyboards and just used it as a tablet lol. Tablet for me is kicking back on my couch and reading or annoying people here.

gbdavidx

for those that work as a network engineer - most would just need a good telnet app that

Iristheangel

I wish I just needed telnet. Whatever I'm carrying around needs to be able to download/run proprietary Java apps (IPS/IDS/ASDM/etc that we use), Word, Visio, Putty, SSH, TypeItIn (great for configuring duplicate equipment), etc

chrisone

Iristheangel wrote: »

I wish I just needed telnet. Whatever I'm carrying around needs to be able to download/run proprietary Java apps (IPS/IDS/ASDM/etc that we use), Word, Visio, Putty, SSH, TypeItIn (great for configuring duplicate equipment), etc

yep, what she said!

f0rgiv3n

Yeah that's what I was hoping these tablets were capable of... If they can do those things they would be an extremely useful tool

sratakhin

Why not just use Remote Desktop on a tablet? Attach a keyboard and it's like a laptop