If you are confused by the choice of tablets on offer, then here is a run down on what you should consider before buying a tablet.
The future of consumer technology is very definitely getting more compact.With more people craving mobile internet, tablets appear to be a very attractive option.
Tablets are considered to be a device for consuming information. They can be used to read books, browse the internet, watch movies, listen to music and yes play games. Just like the early days of Windows 95, they are also considered an educational tool but more on that later. They can also be used to type emails, send texts (if any one still does that), update facebook, tweet, take pictures and videos, Skype, and VOIP. In essence they are a great portable internet device
There are things a tablet is not suited for such as processor intensive jobs such as video editing and also tasks where a large screen and accurate pointing are required such as desktop publishing. There is no way this reviewer would want to type a homework assignment on one. I’m yet to hear of any one using a tablet as a server but I’m sure some geek out there will try.
Will it replace my laptop, or my phone or even my desktop?
One thing tablets are not is ergonomic, so spending more than a few minutes typing on one can generate wrist pain quicker than you can say workers comp. The pain by the way is in the hand propping up the tablet, not the one zooming and whizzing around the on screen keyboard like a fly on speed at a picnic. Correcting text can be incredibly difficult and time consuming on a tablet using just the on screen keyboard. Unless your fingers are shaped like the pointy end of a pencil, positioning the insertion bar right where there should be a space between two words is slow going. If using the Swype keyboard and it doesn’t guess the correct word all your creativity must stop while the right word is found in the lust. (See what I mean.)
If all the computing needs are basic; read the internet newspapers, and communicate with friends and relatives, perhaps to stay in touch with the grandkids then I would have to say don’t hesitate to get one. They are much easier to use and easier to maintain, not that there isn’t a learning curve. It is also much easier to install software, now called apps, onto these devices.
The Asus Transformer Infinity with an impressive Full HD Screen that’s viewable in Full Sun and up to 14 hours battery life.
Even small tablets are a bit large to shove in your pocket or up to your ear not that it hasn’t stopped this writer from making VOIP calls on it. Actually it was better than the mobile phone as it automatically used speaker phone.
Open any electronic, computer or office catalog and they are devoting a page to just tablets where they used to put desktops or even laptops.
Go in the store and walk down an aisle of them. So which is a good one?
Screen size
Obviously the larger screen size makes it easier to work with when entering appointments on a calendar, or reading non mobile websites which are typically 1024 pixels wide.
One of the tablets best abilities is to be able to zoom the text to large or small or anywhere in between. This is fantastic for those of us who are at that age when ones eyesight is not as it once was. Reading on a tablet is a pleasure, except when rolling over in bed onto your side and the tablet figures up is that away and puts the tablet in landscape mode but there is probably an app for that too. Tablets typically come in either 7″ or 10″ size which may sound small when compared with most laptops but the 10″ is more than adequate. There are also larger models that go up to 15″ such as the Dell XPS with the swivel screen but they start to feel heavy.
The 7″ is the more economical size. Don’t buy it. You will regret it. If it will not fit in your hand bag that just a good excuse to buy another hand bag.
Screen quality
Screen size is not the only measure of a display. There is also number of pixels. Not all tablets are full HD 1080p which is 1920 x 1080. Then there’s screen brightness. Reading in full sun light requires high brightness which very few manufacturers offer. The Asus Transformer Infinity (not the T300) is one tablet that does.
Operating system
When it comes to operating systems there is Android, by Google, Windows 8 and Windows 8 RT, from Microsoft. At this point the other operating system, IOS, from Apple and their products should be discussed. Unfortunately this reviewer has nothing good to say about Apple or its products and so shall refrain from further comment.
Windows RT is an operating system that, to all intensive purposes looks and feels like the new operating system on desktop and laptop computers, that is until the user tries to load and run a favorite PC program on it. Windows RT will not run traditional desktop or laptop programs. This, in this reviewers opinion is a monumental error on Microsoft’s part especially as there is a true and proper Windows 8 OS on high end tablets. This reviewer also thinks manufacturers may have a legal issue to deal with as it isn’t always clearly stated which tablets have the RT version. It wasn’t that long ago that Apple lost a case to the ACCC about the iPad 4G being misleading as it didn’t in fact operate on the 4G network in Australia. So, if you absolutely must be able to run your treasured Windows application on your tablet as well, then a Windows 8 tablet is for you. That’s not to say Android cannot run windows but it is more difficult. There are also office Apps on Android that will open, edit and save MS Office documents.
Android is a popular choice and has become the dominate operating system on mobile devices. It has the largest number of Apps available. As it is created by Google, it is inherently linked to your google account and this make syncing your data (calendar, task list, and gmail) very easy.
Dell XPS 12 Convertible Ultrabookwith a unique swivel screen runs full Windows 8 but the XPS 10 model only runs Windows RT
Wi-Fi or phone network connection
Not all tablets come with a 3G or 4G phone data connection. Many only have Wi-Fi. But who actually needs a phone data connection when most mobile phones have a tethering function in which the phone can act as a wireless hub to share the phones data connection, saving money on having two data connections. So a 3G or 4G data network connection on a tablet is not a necessity.
Need an external keyboard?
Some tablets come with an external keyboard. Some of these keyboards house additional batteries which extend the battery time. Some tablets come with USB ports which may be able to take a standard keyboard. Some tablets come with built in Bluetooth which could be connected to a standard Bluetooth keyboard. Having said all that the on screen keyboards are very good and with practice more accuracy is attained. This blog post was written using the on screen keyboard, but it was edited on a PC. There are a number of different keyboards that may be downloaded, so you should be able to find one with which you are comfortable. But if the intention is to write a novel, get a laptop or better yet a desktop.
How much memory will I need
These days 1G of RAM is desirable. Tablets also have memory for user storage (think of storage like a hard disk). It is up to what the tablet will be used for. The apps will not use up the storage but the data that is stored on it will. If the intention is to keep lots of video or stacks of music on it then 32GB or 64GB may be better. Manufacturers will list this as 1GB RAM and 32 GB User storage.
USB
Some tablets have USB, some have a mini USB connection. These ports may be able to be used to increase the memory or add additional devices such as keyboard, mice, game controllers, or data connectivity.
USB is really a must have.
MicroSD card
MICRO SD is the best way to increase memory, as the card will slot right the way into the tablet without protruding like a USB stick would. It is very handy for transferring large amounts of data from your PC.
Battery time
For some this may be one of the more important specs. Tablet battery time can be from four hours to fourteen. The longest battery times are due to having a battery in the keyboard as well. In the case of the Asus Infinity tablet, when the tablet is docked with the keyboard, the keyboard battery will charge the tablet without being plugged into the wall.
Camera
It should have two Cameras. One rear facing for taking videos and photos, and one capturing the user for video conferencing such as Skype AND Gtalk.
Other options
Some tablets, such as a Samsung Galaxy Note 10, will come with a stylus. On other tablets a stylus may be available an accessory. Having just upgraded from a tablet which only had stylus input, no touch, the stylus isn’t missed. The only time it is really needed is to sign an electronic form such as a PDF. It could be used for writing notes but even the on screen keyboard is faster and neater.
What about just buying an eBook reader like a Kindle?
These have great reviews and many people have both and swear by the eBook reader for reading due to the electronic ink being easy to read. Having purchased a top of the line tablet this reviewer wouldn’t swap, after all why have two devices when one really good one will do both jobs.
Tablets can also get Kindle apps if they aren’t pre-supplied.
What I really want is a tablet for the kids?
Samsung Galaxy Tab3 10.1” 16GB, an affordable desktop replacement for those with few needs
This brings back memories of the days of Windows 95. Look. Kids want to play games. Parents want kids to learn. The moment you put a game on a tablet or computer, that’s what the kids will use. Any educational software that was there will be lucky to be used again. So pick an affordable (not cheap tablet), and load it with Educational software. Get the school to recommend such software as much of it is very poor quality with little educational content, and if there is then it might not be much fun for the child. Remember though that a tablet will not replace a computer for typing homework or uni assignments (unless you’re a geek)
Summary
Buying a tablet is not like buying a custom PC. You can’t buy this memory with that processor. It’s an all in. So the purchaser must decide what specs are most important and the rest becomes either a bonus or tough luck. And then there is the cost.
But for many people a tablet will replace a desktop or at least a laptop.
