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starsvcs
Known Participant
January 4, 2016
Question

Captivate on a tablet

  • January 4, 2016
  • 1 reply
  • 820 views

I develop fairly intermediate level e learning content via captivate. I commonly run captivate along with InDesign, Photoshop or illustrator. I'm in the market for a new computer. There is belief that the new Windows tablet, surface pro, would be sufficient. Thoughts? I'm not sold, but am interested in hearing other thoughts from experts.

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    1 reply

    Lilybiri
    Lilybiri
    Legend
    January 4, 2016

    I'll give it a try. All depends on how many hours you need to work on Captivate files, where you'll do that. If you'll have only one system, I would never go with a Windows Surface Pro (forget the other tablets). I have Captivate on 3 systems, and use them in different situations:

    1. Developing and consulting jobs at home: I largely prefer my desktop PC, 32 GB RAM, dedicated NVidia card and tons of space, not to forget the monitors. Much easier to upgrade as well.
    2. When on the road for training/consultancy, whenever possible I'll take a laptop for the same reason. Still not as comfortable as the desktop PC. BTW I bought a 'gaming' laptop for the NVidia card again.
    3. Windows Surface Pro 4: I have the one with the i7 processor and a 256GB SSD. I can use it for a short time, for presentations as well but not for developing for many hours. Its price was almost the same as the gaming laptop, but you never can have more than 8GB of RAM and no dedicated video card. I like its portability and the ...Surface pen which I use more for other Adobe applications like Photoshop and Illustrator then for Captivate.

    You'll understand my answer now: if you keep to one system, please go for a laptop, not for an expensive Windows Surface Pro unless you have to transport it all the time and have very good eyes 

    S
    starsvcsAuthor
    Known Participant
    January 4, 2016

    Thanks for your prompt response, Lilybiri. It was just as I expected. I'm hesitant to operate solely on a tablet for the reasons you describe. I work anywhere from 30-60 hours per week on Captivate files, and I have limited experience with the Windows tablets (but have serious aversion to the Windows OS, but that's just a preference). I was doubtful that a tablet - any tablet - could function as well as a powerful laptop with lots of RAM. I do work about 50% in my office space, and 50% at home, so we transport a lot, but running my current laptop, I've experienced few problems with the transport (aside from inconvenience, which is minor at best). I'll be pushing for a gaming laptop and a nice new laptop bag. Thank you for your input.

    I also tend to believe tablets aren't for use as a replacement to a desktop or laptop. This is largely my opinion and I seem to be in the minority. Particularly in the design realm, though, I can't imagine tablets can hold up as well to the function of a well-built computer.

    Thanks for affirming me.

    Lilybiri
    Lilybiri
    Legend
    January 4, 2016

    I was amazed at the functionality of the Surface Pro 4, much better than I expected. You cannot call it just a tablet - have Android and iPads as well. For Office applications it is wonderful, but due to the small screen you'd need to connect an external monitor to work for many hours on it. Captivate runs just fine, it is for ergonomic reasons that I don't find it sufficient if it is the only system you'd own.

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