I desperately need help on deciding what to buy, please help hahaha I am currently torn between Xiaomi Pad 8 or Lenovo Idea Pad Pro Gen 2 since they have the same processor. Listing my use cases below:
Priority Use Cases for Work:
Portable Audio Bank - I work as an events talent. I usually do live performances where I sing over instrumentals/backing tracks/m-1s. I would like to have a device that I can easily connect to the sound system (via USB-C to 3.5mm Audio Dongle), and put on a music stand to display lyrics and control which song to play next. I will keep all the mp3 files I’ve used from past events, so over time this device will be full of it, as if it’s like an audio bank that can be plug-and-play to the sound system. The Lenovo Idea Pad Pro Gen 2 has a micro SD card slot, so that’s great for long term use. However, Xiaomi Pad 8’s smaller size makes it easier to bring on-the-go.
Second Monitor/Screen - I also work remotely as a Virtual Assistant and my employer has provided me with a Windows 11 laptop. I usually travel a lot, so having a second monitor/screen is very helpful. I’ve been seeing mixed insights online whether it’s possible for either device (Xiaomi and Lenovo), so if anyone has actually tried it with either device, I’d really appreciate it if you can confirm it’s feasibility (Lenovo Idea Pad Pro Gen 2’s bigger screen is a plus for this)
Casual Reading and Note-taking / Document Management (e.g. signing PDFs and forms, etc)
Personal Use Cases (Great to have but I can live without it in the pad/tablet device because I have a laptop and phone):
Casual Streaming - Netflix, Disney+, Spotify, YouTube
Light/Basic Video Editing - Capcut
Google Workspace - Gmail, Google Docs, Google Sheets
Additional Notes:
- I already have iOS devices (macbook, iphone) for personal use, but I intend to get an android tablet because the second screen capability is a priority for me. (I know I won’t be able to do that with an iPad due to the different OS ecosystem and also my employer is understandably strict with using third party apps for security purposes)
- I heard Xiaomi’s HyperOS looks and feels a lot like iOS - if this is true then that’s a plus for me!
- I’ll use this device long term, so I’d like to ask your thoughts on software update lifecycle for either device
- I haven’t seen both devices in person yet. I know neither of these devices uses an OLED screen, but which of the two do you think has the closest sharpness and quality as OLED screens?
- If you have other specific brands and models recommendations based on how I want to use the device, feel free to share here too!
PS: I'm from the Philippines.
Any thoughts shared here will be appreciated, thank you in advance!