Do you buy an iPad or go for a more generic Android tablet? There are many things to considers and here we breakdown a few of them to help you pick the right tablet for your needs.
Things To Consider
Portability
Screen sizes vary, but generally, those with 8 inch screens or smaller are easy to tote.
Child Friendly
Tablets for kids are built with stronger materials to withstand rough use and can be filtered to monitor and manage content.
Functionality
Tablets that are to be used for numerous functions such as work, entertainment, and general productivity should be larger with a longer battery life.
Budget
Consumers can find affordable tablets within the 7 inch and 8 inch range. Larger models can cost more.
Convertibility
Some tablets can be converted to a laptop screen by connecting with a keyboard.
Gaming
Users who intend to play games that demand high requirements should set their sights on tablets that are more capable of gaming.
Reading
Amazon offers affordable tablets that are ideal for reading purposes. Larger versions are best used for reading digital magazines. Smaller ones are easier to tote and are good enough for book reading.
Shopping Considerations
Screen Shape
Squarer tablet shapes are more popular, but longer, rectangular ones are better suited for landscape media viewing and bag storage.
Applications
Apple restricts users from downloading apps from untrusted sources, but many app developers only make their apps available on iOS devices. While Android tablets can download apps off the internet, this can lead to viruses.
WiFi Connectivity
Cellular data network access isn’t necessarily a plus point, and may cause tablets to cost more.
Other Tablets vs the iPad
iPad apps generally tend to be more functional and feature-rich compared to Android counterparts. iPad display is also a few notches better than other models.
Features To Look For
Screen Specifications
Screens range from 7 to10 inches, with some larger models at 12 inches. Landscape settings could differ model to model with some more rectangular and others more like a square.
Operating System
Functions, features, and available apps are determined by the operating system, which can either be iOS or Android.
Ports
Expandable memory can be achieved by installing an SD card into the tablet, but some models do not allow this function. Other models have special adaptors that allow them to read USB flash drives.
Display
Rich displays make a better tablet use experience. Some of the best resolutions come at 359 pixels per inch. Anti-glare coatings make it possible to use tablets in bright conditions.
Connectivity
WiFi connectivity is a feature that all tablets have, but some are capable of connecting to cellular data networks.
Printing
Wireless printing is a useful feature for those who intend to use their tablet for work, school, or document management.
Best Brands
Apple
Most popular tablet, comes in numerous sizes and versions with older models costing less.
Samsung
Known best for their smartphones, Samsung has released numerous phone-tablet products that are fully functional smartphones in the size of a tablet.
Amazon
Tablets from Amazon can access Amazon Prime, offering more entertainment options.