Nord User Forum

I am considering investing in a tablet. Given the vast array of options available today, it can be quite overwhelming to decide which device and brand to choose. Apple, of course, is the most popular option, but to be honest, I find them quite expensive, and I am not familiar with their ecosystem as I am an Android user. When compared to Samsung or other brands running the Android OS, they are significantly cheaper.

The tablet will be used exclusively for performing, as I do all my other work on a desktop or laptop. Therefore, I don't need a high-performance device and don't see a need to purchase the most premium tablet. My primary requirement is that it can run apps for reading sheet music/tabs/lyrics and potentially connect to my NS4 for Patch Changes or other MIDI CC messages.

I am very curious to hear your thoughts on this matter, as I am unsure what to look for in a tablet. What would you suggest? At the moment I am considering a Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+. Would this fit my needs?

So, first, you'd need to describe your needs.

If you are only aiming at a sheet music display and maybe patch organiser, my needs would be:
1. size of the display: depends on the music you have and your eyes, but potentially above 10.5 in
2. brightness of the display: depends on illumination, daylight condition
3. resolution of the display: should be more than "true HD"
4. amount of free memory: a few GB is enough
5. amount of battery capacity - or better time of endurance

You may want/need a pencil for annotations - I'm getting along without. 3 years ago, I went with a Samsung Galaxy Tab S5e which was a reduced version, but with a great display (OLED) of 10.5 in and 2.560 x 1.600 pixels. I even bought one more last year (used/refurbished) to have redundance.

FZiegler wrote: ↑16 Jul 2024, 14:38 So, first, you'd need to describe your needs.

If you are only aiming at a sheet music display and maybe patch organiser, my needs would be:
1. size of the display: depends on the music you have and your eyes, but potentially above 10.5 in
2. brightness of the display: depends on illumination, daylight condition
3. resolution of the display: should be more than "true HD"
4. amount of free memory: a few GB is enough
5. amount of battery capacity - or better time of endurance

You may want/need a pencil for annotations - I'm getting along without. 3 years ago, I went with a Samsung Galaxy Tab S5e which was a reduced version, but with a great display (OLED) of 10.5 in and 2.560 x 1.600 pixels. I even bought one more last year (used/refurbished) to have redundance.

Thank you for the suggestion! In your opinion, how important are RAM and processing power for these functions? Would 4GB be sufficient, or would you recommend opting for 6GB or more?

I only use my tablets as a sheet music library. Don't control the keyboard, don't use VSTis. For that task, you don't need more than 4 GB RAM, and my approximately 2000 songs needed less than 6 GB RAM for storing PDFs.

I wouldn't go for basic, but for middle processing power. But all that's concerned is switching pages seamlessly.

My investment towards that sheet music solution went into 2 tablets, 2 silicone covers, 3 tablet holders (for different keyboard stands and singular solutions) and 1 BT footswitch. Plus the software (there are different solutions, I went with MobileSheets Pro).

FZiegler wrote: ↑16 Jul 2024, 16:15 I only use my tablets as a sheet music library. Don't control the keyboard, don't use VSTis. For that task, you don't need more than 4 GB RAM, and my approximately 2000 songs needed less than 6 GB RAM for storing PDFs.

I wouldn't go for basic, but for middle processing power. But all that's concerned is switching pages seamlessly.

My investment towards that sheet music solution went into 2 tablets, 2 silicone covers, 3 tablet holders (for different keyboard stands and singular solutions) and 1 BT footswitch. Plus the software (there are different solutions, I went with MobileSheets Pro).

Thanks for your suggestion. Since I want to control my Nord, I decided to go for a refurbished Ipad Air 5th gen. Just to be safe and to have compatiblity with most of the apps.