How To Choose the Right Tablet
Since the iPad burst onto the scene in 2010, the popularity of tablet computers has skyrocketed. In fact, tablets have become so popular that this year they are expected to outsell traditional PCs and laptops.
But being popular doesn’t make a tablet any easier to buy. In contrast, the dozens of tablet options available from over 25 different manufacturers arguably makes selecting a tablet more difficult than choosing any other digital device, including a laptop, a camera, or even a smartphone.
However, there are certain questions that you can ask yourself to narrow down the field, and, while a lot will depend on your budget, some other key criteria should factor into your decision as well. Here is a quick checklist to help steer you in the right direction:
How will the tablet be used?
There is a world of difference between looking for a tablet to keep your pre-schoolers entertained and searching for a tablet to help you complete those challenging marketing assignments for work. The hardware and software specs for a work-related tablet – Is there a keyboard option? Can I print? – are totally different and should take precedence over the number of built-in games or the quality of the front-facing camera.
In contrast, if the main user of the tablet is going to be sticky-fingered child with a habit of leaving things on the school bus, then that should point you in a different direction. Keep in mind that pretty much every tablet is good for accessing e-mail, surfing the Web, playing games, or watching the occasional movie. It’s the special tasks – or in the case of your child, the special handling – that should determine in which direction you go.
Where will the tablet be used?
If the tablet will only be used at home or occasionally at the local Starbucks, then you can narrow the choice considerably – and save yourself some money – by looking for a Wi-Fi-only model. However, if you plan to use the tablet on your daily commute or you have to get e-mail and surf the Web when you travel, then you should look for a cellular model.
Although cellular tablets invariably cost more than Wi-Fi-only versions, the monthly wireless access charges are usually quite reasonable. For example, a tablet can be added to a Verizon More Everything plan for just $10 per month with no long term contract.
Does your tablet need to be compatible with other devices?
This is important, particularly if you want to access files and other data from different devices. With better access to cloud storage, it’s inevitable that individuals are gravitating towards personal tech ecosystems. For example, if you already use a Mac and an iPhone, it makes perfect sense to get an iPad, so all your photos, music, videos and apps are available on any of your devices at any time through Apple’s iCloud.
Similarly, Android smartphone users might want to favor Android tablets to take advantage of Google apps and Google Drive, while Windows Phone users might want to look at a Windows 8 tablet for compatibility and the OneDrive option.
What features do you need?
One you have determined use, connectivity, and operating system, it’s time to look at a few other specs. The obvious ones are screen size (and resolution) and battery life but there are plenty of other key features that can make a difference between enjoying your tablet and really enjoying your tablet.
Are you going to use your tablet to take pictures or shoot a lot of video? Will you need extra storage? Is weight a factor? How about built-in speakers? These features could be important or they could be non-factors, but a comparison of specs – and built-in apps – is a great way to narrow down the field even further.
What’s your budget?
Last, but certainly not least, is the question of how much you have to spend. Again, the person using the tablet might be a big determining factor for your budget. If the tablet is for the sticky-fingered kids, then a $159 Kindle Fire HD might make more sense than a $399 iPad mini. But if it’s for your daughter going off for her freshman year at college, then you might want to spend a little more to encourage those Sunday morning FaceTime chats.
As mentioned above, there are now dozens of tablets to choose from but narrowing them down to a fairly manageable number is not that difficult. Ask yourself a few questions and take the time for a little research and you will end up with a tablet that you will love!
Great article, exactly what I needed.
This is really interesting, You are a very skilled blogger.
I’ve joined your feed and look forward to seeking
more of your excellent post. Also, I have shared your web site in my social
networks!
Howdy are using WordPress for your site platform?
I’m new to the blog world but I’m trying to get started and set up my own. Do you require any
coding knowledge to make your own blog? Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Excellent way of describing, and fastidious article to obtain information on the
topic of my presentation subject matter, which i am going to present in academy.
It’s fantastic that you are getting ideas from this piece of writing as well as from our discussion made
at this place.
I love what you guys are usually up too. This sort of clever
work and coverage! Keep up the awesome works guys
I’ve added you guys to my personal blogroll.
Quality content is the important to invite the users to go to see the site, that’s what
this web page is providing.
I think the admin of this website is actually working hard in support of his
web site, as here every stuff is quality based material.
Valuable info. Fortunate me I discovered your web site by accident, and I am stunned why this coincidence did not
happened in advance! I bookmarked it.
you are in point of fact a just right webmaster.
The site loading velocity is amazing. It kind of feels that you
are doing any unique trick. In addition, The
contents are masterwork. you have done a magnificent task in this subject!
Attractive section of content. I just stumbled upon your
website and in accession capital to assert that I acquire
in fact enjoyed account your blog posts. Anyway I will be subscribing
to your feeds and even I achievement you access consistently rapidly.
I am really glad to read this blog posts which includes tons of helpful data, thanks for providing these data.
It is the best time to make some plans for the future and it’s time to be happy.
I have learn this post and if I could I want to counsel you few interesting things or suggestions.
Perhaps you can write next articles referring to this article.
I want to read even more things approximately it!
My partner and I absolutely love your blog and find most of your post’s to
be just what I’m looking for. Would you offer guest writers to
write content available for you? I wouldn’t
mind writing a post or elaborating on many of the subjects you write about here.
Again, awesome weblog!
Thanks a bunch for sharing this with all of us you really understand what you are talking about!
Bookmarked. Kindly additionally seek advice
from my site =). We will have a hyperlink trade arrangement between us
Thanks a lot for sharing this with all folks you actually understand what you’re talking approximately!
Bookmarked. Kindly also discuss with my website =). We will have a hyperlink change arrangement between us
What’s up, I log on to your blogs on a regular basis.
Your humoristic style is witty, keep up the good work!
fantastic points altogether, you simply gained a new reader.
What could you suggest in regards to your submit that you simply
made a few days ago? Any positive?
Have you ever thought about including a little bit more than just your articles?
I mean, what you say is fundamental and everything.
But imagine if you added some great images or videos to give your posts more, “pop”!
Your content is excellent but with images and videos, this website could certainly
be one of the best in its niche. Great blog!
Your mode of telling all in this post is truly nice, every one be capable
of without difficulty understand it, Thanks a lot.
It’s very effortless to find out any topic on net as compared to books, as I found this post at this web page.
Hi there very nice web site!! Guy .. Beautiful ..
Superb .. I’ll bookmark your web site and take the
feeds additionally? I’m happy to search out numerous useful information right here in the post, we’d like develop more techniques on this regard,
thanks for sharing. . . . . .
It’s awesome to pay a visit this web site and reading the
views of all mates regarding this post, while I am also zealous of getting familiarity.
I’ve read several good stuff here. Definitely value bookmarking for revisiting.
I surprise how so much effort you place to make such a great informative site.
My spouse and I stumbled over here from a different page and thought I should check
things out. I like what I see so now i’m following you.
Look forward to looking over your web page yet again.