Watching in flight entertainment ... suitable device?

[ferntree]

With the advancing years I'm finding it harder to watch inflight movies etc on my phone and am looking at getting a 10" tablet. Trouble is, I know absolutely nothing about them, except that prices vary enormously. I don't want to pay more than I have to, but also don't want to underspend and get some cheap coughpy thing that's not up to the job. Can anybody make a recommendation/suggestion? Thanks.

Basic specs: to stream inflight movies and for audio using headphones plugged into an audio out port (if that's what you call it!). It will be used for absolutely nothing else.

Thanks again folks ....

 

[eastwest101]

With tablets and just using it on aircraft the main consideration is actually getting a compatible tablet sleeve/case where you can stand the device up, or hang it on a seatback for viewing, the second consideration is battery life, obviously the longer the better. Watch for some tablets that may not ship without a 3.5mm audio jack, most do but not all, if you get one of them then you are locked into bluetooth headphones which may decrease battery life a little. If its solely to be used for web browsing and viewing inflight streaming/entertainment then any android tablet will do. I have a 6yo Samsung Tablet which still works fine now and only costs around $200-$300. If you fly Qantas often enough for longer legs then USB charging is handy but as only about half the Qantas fleet have personal USB ports its still a hit and miss affair.

The other option which could be considered is a small laptop because they already have a keyboard so will always stand up on their own accord and you get the advantage of having a keyboard for basic computer stuff but the weight disadvantage of a keyboard. The trouble is that you actually pay more for miniaturisation and light weight with some brands to get good PC performance so these can be costly, but you can get small basic Lenovo 11" or 12" laptops for only $300-$400, even some of these cheaper ones can fold over almost 360 degrees and so can be hung on a Qantas seatback.

 

[henrus]

Basic specs: to stream inflight movies and for audio using headphones plugged into an audio out port (if that's what you call it!). It will be used for absolutely nothing else.

The biggest question is how much are you willing to spend?

Have a look through some of the options on the Officeworks website (not endorsing Officeworks, they're just a store with a physical presence everywhere in AU and a wide range of devices).

Android tablets start at ~$80 however often you'll find the battery life quite poor and might require a separate battery bank (noting some larger portable batteries can't travel on planes):

Android Tablets | Officeworks

Buy Android Tablets including Samsung Tablets and Lenovo Tablets at everyday low prices and save with our Price Beat Guarantee.

www.officeworks.com.au

Officeworks also sells 10.2" iPads starting at $467, probably a bit expensive as a device just to use for IFE on planes but if you're familiar with iPhones or will use it for other things then it might make more sense:

Apple iPads - Shop iPad Pro, iPad mini & More at Officeworks | Officeworks

Stay productive on the go with our iPad range, featuring the latest iPad mini, iPad Pro, and more. Enjoy great prices and fast delivery at Officeworks!

www.officeworks.com.au

 

[ferntree]

Thanks guys, very helpful

 

[Daver6]

Most aircraft (not all) will have a USB port you can just plug into to maintain charge.

 

[henrus]

Most aircraft (not all) will have a USB port you can just plug into to maintain charge.

As this was posted on the Virgin section, almost all VA aircraft don't have USB power. I think there might be one or two VA aircraft that were retrofitted with USB power but for the most part, you won't find USB power on VA aircraft.

About half the fleet does have in-seat power but only in business class.

 

[Daver6]

As this was posted on the Virgin section, almost all VA aircraft don't have USB power. I think there might be one or two VA aircraft that were retrofitted with USB power but for the most part, you won't find USB power on VA aircraft.

About half the fleet does have in-seat power but only in business class.

Something I was not aware of. Thanks for correcting this.

 

[kookaburra75]

I also hate spending too much money on technology, and have been very happy with a Lenovo 10" tablet - the 10P model, which has been superceded. Besides the features already mentioned, 3.5mm plug for headphones, able to plug into a USB port, you can also insert a memory card which greatly increases the amount of space for movies. However, I've found on flights that when it's plugged into the USB port on the seat, it keeps the tablet topped up when you are using it, rather than charging it up. I use it for work as well, with MS Office, Outlook etc installed.

I've run the Qantas and Virgin Entertainment apps on it, without any issues.

Before a trip I will download shows from my Netflix account onto the memory card in the tablet, along with anything else I want to watch. I've done the run may times to and from the UK, as well as local flights.

The newest model is the Lenovo M10 (2nd Generation), which retails for for around $300 - it has 4GB RAM and 64GB storage, plus whatever you add in on the memory card - up to 256GB. Watch out there is a 1st Generation model for $200, but that is under powered, with only 2GB RAM and 32GB storage. I originally bought mine from JB HiFi, and a generic Targus 10 inch tablet case from Officeworks.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

I have no idea how credible this source is, but it seems to have some useful ideas: The best cheap Android tablet sales and deals for May 2021

 

[jonboixxx]

Before I download too much Netflix, have VA updated their entertainment content yet?

 

[ferntree]

I can't help you there I'm afraid, bt you can probably help out this technophobe. Please, how would I go about d/loading from Netflix (I do have an account!) ?

 

[jonboixxx]

I can't help you there I'm afraid, bt you can probably help out this technophobe. Please, how would I go about d/loading from Netflix (I do have an account!) ?

On the Netflix app on your phone or tablet or laptop, there is a download icon that indicates the content available for download. Once downloaded, content will appear in "my downloads" section. (There is no Netflix app for macOS, so I run the windows app on a virtual machine on my MacBook)

How to download titles to watch offline

Tap the down arrow icon to download titles on iPhone, iPad, and Android phones and tablets.

help.netflix.com

 

[ferntree]

On the Netflix app on your phone or tablet or laptop, there is a download icon that indicates the content available for download. Once downloaded, content will appear in "my downloads" section. (There is no Netflix app for macOS, so I run the windows app on a virtual machine on my MacBook)

How to download titles to watch offline

Tap the down arrow icon to download titles on iPhone, iPad, and Android phones and tablets.

help.netflix.com

Much obliged, thanks, I'll get the Netflix app from Google Play Store

 

[jonboixxx]

I get the Netflix app from Google Play Store or where?

Yes, Google Play for android devices.

 

[ferntree]

ThaNk you so much. I've got it all set up with enough stuff downloaded to see me thru any number of flights. Next time you're in Hobart I'll shout you a beer!