Tablets Buyers Guide: How to Choose a Tablets
For work or play?
The first question you should really ask: Do you need a tablet? As a device that falls between a full-fledged notebook and a smartphone, it's only natural for some consumers to believe that they can substitute a laptop with a tablet. Now, this could be true for some that mainly use their slates for browsing the Web or playing games, but it's not always the case.
Tablets may be used for business reasons - checking e-mail, browsing the web, video calling, video conferencing, note-taking, presentations, creating, viewing, or editing documents or basic spreadsheets – or for personal reasons - reading, watching movies, listening to music, viewing photos, or playing games.
Whether you need a tablet or you just want one, you should consider these 6 topics:
1 – The Operating System
At the moment it’s really about Apple iOS versus Android. But don’t forget RIM’s QNX for the Blackberry Playbook and later this year Microsoft’s Windows 8 OS.
OS/Brand
Apple/iOS
Android Blackberry QNX Windows 8 | Pros
Intuitive
Compatible with iPhone/iPad Multiple choices for device New 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich OS merges phone OS with tablet OS for all devices Tight integration with Blackberry smartphones TBD | Cons
1 size only
Multiple versions of OS 1 size, 1 device TBD |
2 - The Apps
Apps for tablets are optimized for the larger size of the screen from smartphone apps. Apple’s walled garden has the most apps for tablets with Android falling way behind even Blackberry.
OS/Brand
Apple/iOS
Android Blackberry | Apps
350,000 + 3rd party apps
low 1,000 + 3rd party apps (for tablets - look for 3.0 Honeycomb or 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich) 2,000 + 3rd party apps |
3 - Screen Size, Resolution, Weight and Storage
These four factors vary by device for both Apple iOS and Android
A - Screen Size
Screen Size is measured diagonally
*Android tablets have multiple manufacturers with many different sizes. Samsung is used as an example.
OS/Brand
iOS/Apple iPad
Android/Samsung* Blackberry Playbook | Size
9.7"
10.1" 7.0" | Size8.9" | Size7.0" | Size5.0" |
B - Resolution
Resolution matters when viewing videos, photos, e-book reading and web surfing
*Android has multiple manufacturers with a variety of specs. Samsung is used as an example of what you should look for in other Android devices.
OS/Brand
Apple
Android* Blackberry | Tablet
iPad
iPad2 iPad Samsung 10.1 Samsung 7.0 Playbook | Resolution
1,024 x 768 pixels
1,024 x 768 pixels 2,048 x 1536 pixels w/Retina display 1,280 x 800 pixels 1.024 x 600 pixels 1,024 x 600 pixels |
C - Weight
Weight is a consideration because even though tablets are thin and weigh around 1 pound, they are heavy and awkward to hold for any length of time. They are even awkward if laid flat on your lap or other surface.
*Android has multiple manufacturers with a variety of weights. Samsung is used as an example.
iOS/Brand
Apple
Android* Blackberry | Tablet
iPad
iPad2 iPad Samsung 10.1 Samsung 7.0 Playbook | Wi-Fi Weight
1.5 pounds
1.33 pounds 1.44 pounds 1.3 pounds 12/2 ounces 0.9 pounds | Wi-Fi + Cell Weight
1.6 pounds
1.35 pounds 1.46 pounds 1.39 pounds 13.58 ounces |
D - Storage
Storage requirements will vary depending on how the tablet is used. E-mail, word documents, spreadsheets, and presentations don’t take much room, but if you intend to have lots of games, music, videos or photos the more the better.
*Android tablets have multiple manufacturers with various specs. Samsung is used as an example.
** Micro - SIM card tray on the iPad, iPad2 and iPad is available only on the Wi-Fi + 3G or 4G devices.
Keep in mind the more storage you buy the more expensive it can get. For example, 64GB iPad with Verizon or AT&T 4G = $830 + monthly fees. Ouch!
iOS/Brand
Apple
Android* Blackberry | Tablet
iPad, iPad2, iPad
Samsung 10.1 Samsung 7.0 Playbook | Storage Options
16GB/32GB/64GB
16GB/32GB/64GB 8GB/16GB 16GB/32GB/64GB | Add'l Storage Options
Micro - SIM card tray**
Micro SD card slot Micro SD card slot Micro USB port |
4 - Connectivity and Ports
Connecting to the Internet on a tablet is either by Wi-Fi or Mobile Broadband. Wi-Fi is free, Mobile Broadband can be very expensive depending on the service provider and their data plans.
Connecting to peripherals can be by Bluetooth, USB port, or HDMI port. Almost all tablets have Bluetooth capabilities; few tablets have USB ports or HDMI ports.
** Always on cell service available with AT&T Pantech Element or Verizon Motorola Droid Xyboard – this service adds to the cost of the device and the monthly fees.
Data plans can be purchased on a month to month basis, usually, but not always, without a contract.
Use your smartphone as a Hotspot – this doesn’t work with every phone/tablet combination; this runs down the battery on your smartphone faster.
*Android tablets have multiple manufacturers with various specs. Samsung is used as an example.
OS/Brand
Apple
Android* Blackberry | Tablet
iPad
iPad2 iPad Samsung 10.1 Samsung 7.0 Playbook | Wi-Fi
802.11a/b/g/n
802.11a/b/g/n 802.11a/b/g/n 802.11a/b/g/n 802.11b/g/n 802.11a/b/g/n | Mobile Broadband**
3G
3G 4G LTE 3G 3G N/A | Bluetooth
2.1 + EDR
2.1 + EDR 4.0 4.0 3.0 2.1 + EDR |
OS/Brand
Apple
Android* Blackberry | Tablet
iPad
iPad2 iPad Samsung 10.1 Samsung 7.0 Playbook | USB Port
N/A
N/A N/A N/A N/A Micro USB Port | HDMI Port
N/A
N/A N/A N/A N/A Micro HDMI Port |
5 - Keyboard, Mouse, Stylus & Digital Pens
Sometimes peripherals make using a tablet easier and more efficient. Using any of these may make you wonder why you don’t just use your laptop, but when not using the peripherals you go back to the advantages of the tablet.
A – Keyboard, Mouse
Usually, Bluetooth is used as the peripheral connection. Some keyboards are connected via a dock or USB port.
B – Stylus
This is a special stylus that works with the capacitive touchscreens on tablets. Some find it easier moving around or tapping on small icons on the screen.
C – Digital Pens
These are special pens designed for serious drawing or note-taking. Many Android tablets have active digitizer technology that uses an electronic pen. These pen and tablet combos allow you to rest your hand on the screen without interfering with the pen’s input. These tablets come with specialized software. Electronic pens are often proprietary to the tablet.
6 - Security
Data encryption and security on mobile devices are big issues for companies today. Companies are mainly concerned about data that can be accessed should a mobile device be stolen or lost. A discussion about mobile data security is beyond this article, but each OS has basic specs.
Data encryption and security on mobile devices are big issues for companies today. Companies are mainly concerned about data that can be accessed should a mobile device be stolen or lost. A discussion about mobile data security is beyond this article, but each OS has basic specs.
OS/Brand
Apple
Android Blackberry | Security
Encryption on everything stored on device
System encryption on 3.0 (Honeycomb) and later Tight encryption | VPN
Available, but limited data access
Available, but limited data access | OtherLenovo Idea Tablet - secure email, encryption on removable storage, IT control over remote Windows desktop ships w/32 page security manual |
Once you have considered what your tablet basics are - Operating System, Apps, size, weight, screen resolution, storage, type of connection and ports, peripherals, and security, you’ll be able to choose a tablet that best fits your specific requirements.
The specs shown in the tables above are as of May 2012.
Tablet technology is changing very rapidly and the options available today will be old technology in the near future.
Unless you can’t envision needing or wanting anything different from what you buy today, take the rapidity of change into consideration when looking at a tablet that requires a 2 year contract.
