George has an Amazon HD Fire Tablet, but he's been told not to install Google Play. Is that true? Leo says that Google Play is easy to install on the Fire tablet, but don't install it with an app. Install it directly from Google. Check out HowToGeek.com for directions.
Caleb has made the switch to a Google Pixel Android phone and has moved everything to over. He's replaced everything except his iPad. But he's looking for an Android option. Leo says a Chromebook is a good choice and many are convertibles. But if you want something as lightweight as a mini tablet, then HuaWei's tablets are very good, as are Samsung's. But they're not as good as an iPad. The software is just better.
Acer makes a good one too.
Scott ordered a Samsung Galaxy Tab and it was stolen while being delivered from FedEx. He couldn't get a refund for three weeks. Leo says that package theft happens a lot in the course of delivery. In fact, Leo heard that police recently busted a ring of FedEx employees that were stealing packages. So it's really on FedEx to insure delivery when it's in their custody. Is there an alternative to Samsung tablets? Leo says that Samsung does offer the best Android tablets on the market. Google no longer makes them.
Frank's wife is getting into real estate and bought a Lenovo IdeaPad. Leo says that's a good mobile platform for what she does. It's a consumer oriented computer though, and as such, it won't be as robust as the ThinkPad, but it's a good tool for the price. So for professional work, a ThinkPad is really a better move.
Clyde's wife has an iPad and it's switching between apps accidentally. Leo says iOS 12 has a new interface that enables users to swipe left or right and change apps. It's a new feature and she may be doing that by accident. It is possible that there may be a stuck button that's causing it. Leo recommends going to the nearest Apple Store and setting up an appointment with a Genius. She should describe the problem, and they'll show her what's going on. They may even have one-on-one training.
Charles' wife is bedridden and needs something to keep her occupied. Leo says the iPad is an ideal choice. It has a nice screen and decent speakers. She could stream video and even watch live tv. Then she can switch to playing a game. Leo says it's the ultimate entertainment device. Leo would recommend the 12.9" model.
Fiona is thinking of getting a tablet because she can add it for $20 a month to her cell phone service. Which should she get? Leo recommends the iPad. They start at $329, with Black Friday deals this week of under $200. She's retired and on a budget, though. Leo says she can go with Android, but any tablet under $200 is going to be pretty cheap. She should try and get an iPad on a Black Friday deal. They should be good through Monday. And she should pick up a Bluetooth keyboard, too. Anker makes one for around $25.00.
BJ wants to know if he needs to reinstall the OS on his tablet in order to change the carrier for it. Leo says no, and since BJ's tablet is with Verizon, he can just replace the SIM card with another. If it doesn't work, he can go to Verizon and ask them to unlock it. They have to unlock it by FCC mandate. He shouldn't need to unlock it, though.
Jude wants to get a tablet and LTE access. Leo says she should get a tablet with LTE and buy an iPad from Apple. Android tablets are an option, but they're not nearly as good, or as elegant to use as the iPad.
How can she use it hands-free in her truck? She should make sure Bluetooth is turned on, and she can enable "Hey Siri". If she doesn't want her phone to respond to that command, then she should put it face down. Then just her iPad will answer to "Hey Siri".
David has a tablet that he wants to add LTE internet access to. Can he do that? Leo says that it supports Wi-Fi, so he can use it with a MiFi card and connect that way. He can also hotspot with his mobile phone, depending on whether or not his carrier supports it. But he'll probably have to pay extra for that privilege. Leo also uses a Google Fi card with his tablet. They work in a lot of different devices.
