At this time of year, there are so many retailers trying to get our business. 2012 is really turning into the year of mobile devices. Tablet deals are getting better than ever.
I have been using laptops and my smartphone for some time, but even I am seriously thinking about adding a tablet to my collection. For me, the question of what machine to buy is very easy.
I only use Apple, and I love the warranty, support, and computer repairs package I can purchase, when I buy online. There is no reason for me to consider any other option.
This might not be your case, and so if you are in the market for a tablet this month, or the next, here are some issues you should think about.
- Size and weight. Weight is not going to be much of an issue with your tablet. They are all pretty light. Size is another matter. Some tablets, can be help with one hand, for example, the Kindle Fire. The iPad, well, that is much larger. Think about your needs, when, and where you are going to be using your device. Don’t stop comparing at size. You also need to be very clear about the screen size. Further to this, you need to know the resolution. The higher the screen resolution the better. Better still, your screen is a ‘reader’ screen. This means it is designed with technology that is pretty close to what writing looks on paper for when you are reading e-books.
- Connectivity. Just about all devices will come with Wifi. You need to also think about Bluetooth, an Ethernet port (just in case), and a SIM port is extremely important, if you want to be on the move and get the most out of your machine. USB ports are common, but you don’t want to have to hand over more cash on a modem for 3g networks. Talk with your retailer about what kind of mobile and data plan they will include in your purchase. They should help you out with some of the cost it is going to take to be online as you use your machine during your commute to work, for example.
- Operating System. The operating system is a big issue. It needs to be something you are used to. That is one of the best things I like Apple. I am used to iOS for my smartphone, which is the exactly the same as the operating system on the tablet. Samsung’s Galaxy tablet is very popular, is very reasonably priced, and runs on the Android system. If you have an Android phone, it might be a perfect choice. Don’t forget the new Windows 8 OS is coming out next year, and that is a very special operating system that will run on all devices, meaning it will be the same operating system for your phone, tablet, laptop and desktop. It won’t be out for about another 6 months, and so this is a real issue of consideration for some people.
Whatever device you buy. Make sure you get guaranteed computer support from your manufacturer or retailer. It is an essential of owning a device today. There are even new companies, which supply these packages for home-users with a limited monthly fee plan.
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9 Comments
Also bear in mind iOS is very much a single user OS, i.e. you cannot create multiple user accounts like you can with Windows. So if you’re thinking of sharing your tablet with anyone else, you’ll find the iPad a very frustrating purchase.
You love Apple’s warranty? The company that writes of any product as water damaged (and therefore voids the warranty) if you so much as expose it to some light condensation. Afraid I have to disagree most strongly there.
Hi Paul,
I agree with you, especially about the operating system. I’m not sure enough people give it enough thought when trying to get the right tablet. After all it defines what apps you can run, and tablets are all about apps…
Hi Graham, I’m sure most people probably don’t care about the OS, unless you are a technical person.
Thanks for the reminders, I’m planning to have a Tablet this year. I will definitely heed your advice.
No problem. I’m glad the post could help.
Choosing the right tablet is never easy. Everyone has a different tablet as the ‘right tablet’ for them. The right tablet for me should have a lot of features, should look very classy and should be one of the newest. Thanks for sharing!
I agree. With all the different tablet choices, it can be tough to make a decision. IN the end, it comes down to the tablet that meets your needs – and budget.
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