Tablet + Mobile Printer on Budget, Ipad Mini Vs. Win8?

[yorkriver1]

Anyone with experience using ipad apps for e-applications, and also electronic apps with carriers not making ipad "apps", I am looking for feedback.
After reading about pre-filled e-apps that need wet signatures, and multiple uses I can imagine, a portable printer/scanner also seems like a good investment.

I was just deciding about a tablet on a budget now that more carriers have ipad e-apps, and want us to use e-apps. We were told that those portable signature pads cost much more now, and besides, throwing money at old tech seems a waste, so get a tablet.
Every time I look at an almost laptop option like the Yoga at just under $500, I realize I will be annoyed unless I get a true laptop replacement--lightweight-- which is going to be over $1,000. So being relatively new as a full time agent, I now think I will get a tablet this year, new lightweight laptop with solid state drive, blazing fast, all the cool stuff, next year. I am operating on cash, so no making payments.

Right now I would prefer $500-700 budget including breakage/repair plan, keyboard/case, and now printer.
I am looking at a non-retina 32gb ipad mini as one option, at about $350. I am not going to use it much at all for visual entertainment or worried about seeing photos with perfect clarity. I wonder if the price/speed of ipad over any Windows tablets in same price range is significant. I would like to have the fastest option for the money.

I am concerned about seniors being able to read the screen on the mini. I am also concerned that some e-apps may not work with an ipad. Thanks for any input.

 

[EugeneM]

Seems like you could accomplish your goals with less Hardware. Not sure why you would need a scanner when you could just take high def pdf picture right off the tablet's camera ... Would be in the same exact format as a scanner. Are you avoiding paper altogether? Having them read off the screen from a device and sign a contract?

 

[yorkriver1]

Thanks for responding. Just getting used to using phone and device cameras for that, of course that is the best option. This is my first year of full time as an independent.
Reasons for lightweight gear and other features in order of frequency:
1. presentation by video or online visual material 2. electronic apps & touch screen signatures 3. printer, optional, for carriers where apps are filled in, then need wet signature. They can be done all by hand, but filling in first electronically is much more legible.
Yes, I would prefer to be as paperless as possible. It's not likely, being associated with several carriers who are still using paper. They are changing over a bit at a time now, however.