Nothing has changed more than tablets over the past year in electronics. Their overall performance continues to improve, especially for the cost-conscious models, while the versatility and features of tablets are continue to grow. Before you buy the ideal tablet, first consider what you really want and how it will serve you:
- Budget Need to stick to a budget? Consider a 7 or 8 inch model starting at just $200. Tablets boasting larger displays naturally cost more. Even Apple has a more economical iPad for $300 - the iPad Mini. However, good quality 10-inch tablets go for around $350.
- Portability How important is portability to you? Many tablets are quite thin. Tablets that have 8-inch or less sized displays typically weigh under a pound. The ideal model has a battery life of more than 12 hours in this category.
- Reading Like to read? If you need a tablet primarily for reading along with Web surfing, a bit of emailing, and downloading apps, you can save loads of money buying a Barnes & Noble or Amazon tablet. A bigger screen works better to read magazines, while one that's smaller is less expensive and more portable, but is great for book reading.
- Versatility Do you want a tablet that's super versatile? You should get a tablet that can do it all, and well. Try getting a larger one with a minimum battery life of 10 hours, and adequately equipped content and app stores. However, it will probably set you back $400 or more. Apples's iPad Air has an appealing mix of great features and stellar performance. On the other hand, other tablets have some things that iPads do not, such as remote-control ability and memory card slot.
- Tablets that Function Like a Computer Need a tablet that works like a computer? Several Windows-type tablets are either a detachable model that allow you to detach it from the keyboard, or convertible styles that have hinges in order to twist and go from laptop to tablet.
- Features Every newer tablet model has Wi-Fi connectivity, while the majority offers GPS capability and front-facing webcams as well.
- Wireless Connectivity Wi-Fi is available on all tablets. Most tablets that are higher-rated are also available in a version that can tap into cellular 4G data networks.
- Operating System Windows RT, (a Windows 8 tablet version), is added to the list of key operating systems regarding tablets in addition to Android and also iOS. Amid the manufacturers that offer a tablet with that particular operating system is Microsoft. The Windows RT Surface is also available with Microsoft Office applications, such as Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
- Display Apple's iPad has the greatest detail and best colors ever seen on any tablet anywhere. The color is outstanding with a high resolution of 2048 x 1536.
- Shape and Screen Size Common tablet sizes come in 7 or 10 inches, although there are other available sizes in between as well. Apple's iPad display is more square, much like a conventional TV. Also, most tablets have a wide, short shape like a digital TV in landscape mode.
- Printing Capability You can use an AirPrint-ready printer to wirelessly print from the iPad. The majority of printer manufacturers offer various apps for both Android and iPad tablets that enable Wi-Fi printing.
- Ports For most tablets, storage can easily be expanded with the use of a memory card. Also, some are USB flash drive compatible.
Who Manufacturers Tablets?
- Apple
- Amazon
- Acer
- Archos
- Dell
- Kobo
- Asus
- Barnes & Noble
- HP
- Monster
- EVGA
- Neo3Do
- Insignia
- Microsoft
- Lenovo
- LG
- ZTE
- Nokia
- Wikipad
- Razer
- Verizon
- Samsung
- Toshiba
- Sony
Shopping Tips
- Consider Shape While the shape makes them much easier to carry around in a purse, rectangular-shaped screens held in a horizontal manner provide a wider and broader landscape view that's more conducive for watching videos and movies.
- Apps App developers tend to design apps for Apple's store first. And, due to the extensive user base, the Apple store apps are more prone to getting the initial bugs out first. The main app stores from Microsoft, Google, and Apple have certain developer requirements, which makes their key apps more dependable and less vulnerable to malicious malware overall. Users get less Android apps on Kindle and Barnes & Noble tablets primarily because those particular companies choose the apps they wish to offer.
- Upgradable OS Microsoft provides upgrades for Windows-based tablets just like Apple does for the iOS in iPad.
- Wi-Fi The economical choice available today is a Wi-Fi only type of tablet. Tablets that employ cellular service are more expensive in addition to paying for the actual service itself. Only if connecting to the Internet "everywhere" is a real necessity, should you select a broadband type model due to the expense. If you need to stay connected 24/7, 4G capability is an added bonus, or at least the opportunity to upgrade if you need to.
Author
