How to Choose the Right Tablet for Your Needs

Your Guide to buying the best Tablets

Overview

Tablets are becoming increasingly popular as a replacement for traditional laptops, offering a more portable and convenient solution to everyday computing. With a growing range of models and brands on the market, it can be difficult to decide which is the right tablet for you. To assist in your decision, this buying guide provides an overview of the key features to consider when selecting a tablet, as well as advice on how to get the most out of your device.

Key features

  1. Size: The size of the tablet should be taken into consideration. Larger tablets are ideal for activities such as watching videos, but they can be heavier and less portable than smaller tablets.
  2. Display: The display quality should be taken into account. Features to consider include resolution, brightness, viewing angles, and color accuracy.
  3. Storage: Different tablets offer varying amounts of built-in storage space. Some tablets also offer expandable storage via an SD card.
  4. Connectivity: The type of connection available should be taken into consideration. Wi-Fi and cellular models are available, and some models support Bluetooth.
  5. Battery Life: Battery life is an important factor when considering a tablet. Look at the manufacturer's estimates for battery life, and consider the power-saving options available.
  6. Software & Apps: Tablets come with various operating systems, and the software available for each platform should be taken into consideration. Also consider the availability of apps for the platform.
  7. Price: The price of a tablet should be taken into account. Consider the cost of additional accessories such as cases, docks, and keyboards.
  8. Accessories: Accessories such as cases, docks, and keyboards may be useful for some users. Consider the available accessories and their cost.

See the most popular Tablets on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • Mobility - Tablets are lightweight and easy to carry, making them a great choice for people on-the-go.
  • Cost - Tablets are typically more affordable than laptops, making them a great option for those on a budget.
  • Multi-functionality - Tablets offer the combined features of both a computer and a smartphone, allowing users to connect to the internet, browse the web, access email, watch videos, and play games.
  • Convenience - Tablets require less setup and maintenance than a laptop, and can be used almost anywhere.
  • Touchscreen - Tablets come equipped with a touchscreen, which allows for smoother and more accurate navigation.

Cons

  • Cost - Tablets are usually more expensive than laptops and computers, and the cost can vary greatly depending on the features, brand, and size.
  • Durability - Tablets are usually more fragile than laptops and computers and more vulnerable to scratches, dents, and water damage.
  • Performance - Tablets typically have slower processors, less RAM, and small storage sizes compared to laptops and computers, which can limit the tasks that can be performed.
  • Battery life - Tablets usually have shorter battery lives than laptops and computers, meaning they may need to be recharged more frequently.
  • Software - While many software applications are available for tablets, the selection is limited compared to computers and laptops.
  • Connectivity - Most tablets do not come with a wide range of ports, meaning certain peripherals such as external hard drives or printers cannot be connected.

Best alternatives

  1. Laptops - Portable computers larger than tablets, with more powerful hardware.
  2. Ultrabooks - Thin and light laptops with high-end hardware and fast performance.
  3. Convertibles - Devices that can be used as both tablets and laptops.
  4. 2-in-1s - Hybrid devices that can transform from tablet to laptop and back.
  5. Smartphones - Smaller, pocket-sized devices with touchscreen displays.

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

  • Tablet Stand - A tablet stand is a device used to prop up a tablet and provide hands-free use.
  • Screen Protector - A screen protector is a thin sheet of plastic or glass that is applied to a tablet's screen to protect it from scratches.
  • Keyboard - A keyboard is an accessory that can be connected to a tablet to make typing easier.
  • Case - A case is an accessory that fits around the tablet and helps protect it from damage.
  • Stylus - A stylus is a pen-like device used to write, draw, or navigate on a tablet's screen.
  • Power Adapter - A power adapter is an accessory used to connect a tablet to a power source to charge its battery.
  • Headphones - Headphones are devices used to listen to audio from a tablet without disturbing others.

Common questions

  1. What are the major differences between an iPad and a regular tablet? The major difference is that iPads are made by Apple, while regular tablets are made by many different companies. iPads are generally more expensive than regular tablets, and they offer a slightly different range of features. iPads also generally have higher-quality processors, longer battery life, and a better selection of apps.
  2. What type of processor is required for a good tablet? Generally, you'll want to look for a tablet with a multi-core processor that runs at least 1GHz or more. Quad-core processors are ideal for multitasking and gaming, while dual-core processors are better for basic tasks like web browsing and email.
  3. What screen size should I look for in a tablet? The size of the screen is largely a matter of personal preference, but generally, larger screens are better for activities like watching movies or playing games. Smaller screens are great for reading and web browsing, and are usually more portable.
  4. What type of storage should I look for in a tablet? The amount of storage you'll need will depend on how you plan to use your tablet. If you plan to store large files like movies or games, then you'll want to look for a tablet with at least 64GB of storage. If you plan to use your tablet mostly for web browsing and light gaming, then 32GB of storage should be sufficient.
  5. What type of battery life should I expect from a tablet? Battery life can vary greatly between different tablets, but generally you can expect around 8-10 hours of battery life. Some tablets offer longer battery life, but these tend to be more expensive.
  6. How much should I expect to pay for a good tablet? The cost of a tablet can vary greatly, depending on the features and specifications you're looking for. You can usually find a good tablet for around $200-$300, but more expensive models with better specifications can go for upwards of $500 or more.

Trivia

In 2010, Apple unveiled a new iPad advertisement featuring a talking dog, complete with a British accent! The commercial depicted the dog praising the iPad for its many features, including the ability to watch movies, play games, and look up information. According to reports, the dog used in the commercial was an actual rescued Greyhound, who was trained to follow commands and respond to voice cues. The commercial was a hit and was widely shared across the internet. Source

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.