Which tablet is recommended for musicians?

Hi all,

 

I see many people including the teachers on Tonebase using tablets. Primarily to replace paper scores, and I assume they also use them to record audio or video.

I'm looking for advise and tips.

I'm aware of the PADMU and it would be my favorite were it not that I'm from Europe, and the PADMU doesn't seem to be for sale here. 

 

Also the 13" Fujitsu device - seems to be available only in Asia (or even only Japan?)

 

What about poor beautiful Europe :-)?

 

So my question is basically: which device do you use as a musician, and what are you using it for? Any pro's and con's? Maybe comments on standard tablet vs e-ink ? 

(again, specifically for use as a musician?)

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  • iPad Pro 12โ€ is pretty much the standard

    Like 3
    • Sam Smith
    • Sam_Smith
    • 1 yr ago
    • Reported - view

    Yes, the ipad Pro, largest size, with forscore as the app for viewing, organizing, and editing scores. Pair that with a bluetooth pedal to turn pages, or, if you are brave, use the ability of forscore to turn pages when you nod (I was never able to get that to reliably work for me).

    Like 1
      • Gillian
      • Gillian
      • 1 yr ago
      • Reported - view

      Sam Smith which blue tooth page turning pedal do you use? Is it working well for you?

      Like 1
      • Sam Smith
      • Sam_Smith
      • 1 yr ago
      • Reported - view

      Gillian I use the Airturn BT200 S-2. Sturdy design with big mechanical buttons. Its several years old - there are probably newer versions now. I use the app to set it to only go forward - never backward - so I never make that mistake. I rearrange the pages in forscore so I can always go forward.

       

      I originally tried a Pageflip firefly, but it was too delicate for me and I kept having unwanted pageturns.

       

      It's a skill to be practiced like anything else, especially if you are playing something with the una corda or sostenuto pedals (or both!).

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      • Gillian
      • Gillian
      • 1 yr ago
      • Reported - view

      Thanks Sam Smith , that's very helpful!

      Like
    • James
    • James.4
    • 1 yr ago
    • Reported - view

    I use iPad 

    Like 1
  • I am thinking of getting the Samsung 8 Ultra as it has a 14.6 inch screen. Its pretty new

    Like 1
    • Firoze
    • Firoze
    • 1 yr ago
    • Reported - view

    I tried the Samsung 8 ultra and iPad 12.9 and kept the iPad. The aspect ratio seems to fit scores well, and the forScore and Henle apps for iOS seem to work extremely well for me.

    Like
  • I just started with Tonebase and am wondering if I need an iPad to use it effectively. 
    I have a large iPhone and the ability to print albeit very slowly. 
    I am not a performer and perhaps an advanced beginner. I can afford one. 

    I appreciate all advice! Thanks!
     

    Like 2
  • I use an iPad Pro.  I save scores as pdfs on 'One Drive' and then download them from there.  I am not performing so haven't worried about the page turning devices [yet] but it's less movement with a single dragged finger than is required to turn paper scores. 

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  • Roy, thank you so much. This is the direction I will be going in. Really appreciate your response. Tom

    Like
    • Clara
    • vieviurka
    • 1 yr ago
    • Reported - view

    A few years ago I was searching for tablet for myself and ended up with the largest ipad pro + apple pen + forscore app. I use this setup for around 4 years now and I'm still satisfied. I can write on my scores in the same way as on the printed music sheet, but with more colors. My scores are really colourful! The problems with other tables were that the screen was too small, the ipad had the biggest option on the market at that time.

     

    I also considered e-ink tablet designed for musicians (I think PADMU), but the problem with it was that the cost was around the same as ipad, but it offered just one functionality. I didn't have an opportunity to test such tablet, but from what I saw in e-book readers is that the screen is less responsive and the page changes could be slower. I would buy it, but it's really overpriced.

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    • Dan
    • Dan.10
    • 2 mths ago
    • Reported - view

    I bought the Onyx Boox Max Lumi e-ink tablet with the MobileSheets app (they have a version designed for e-ink tablets).  Below are my reasons...

    • The screen size was the largest at the time at 13.3"
    • The e-ink display is easier on the eyes than tablet screens
    • The battery life is extremely long (many days)
    • I wanted a dedicated device I could leave at the piano

    I also looked at PadMu, which is essentially two Onyx Boox tablets.  I didn't see think the cost and hassle of an additional tablet was necessary.  The page turning with the MobileSheets app is quick enough.

    Like 1
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