Everyone knows that tablets are great for surfing the web, but the demands on these devices are growing and the need for various forms of mobile computing is intensifying.
Consider those industries that require intensive reading and writing – writers, editors, and literary agents, just to name a few. Is there a tablet that will facilitate their needs? Following are six tips for finding the perfect tablet for the reading and writing industry.
1. Consider the Size
When it comes to long periods of reading or writing, a bigger tablet means a bigger screen, and therefore size really is important. Amazon, Apple, Google, and Amazon offer multiple sizes of their Kindle Fire, iPad, and Nexus tablets, respectively. Amazon’s Kindle Fire can be purchased with a 7-inch screen or an 8.9-inch screen. The iPad comes with a 9.5-inch screen, and those looking for a smaller version can purchase the iPad Mini with a 7.9-inch screen. The Nexus is sold in 7-inch and 10-inch versions.
Good choice: Full-size iPad or Nexus 10.
2. Ease the Eyes with Resolution
Tablets with higher resolutions allow more information to be displayed on the screen at a given time. Apple’s iPad is outfitted with a display resolution of 2048 X 1536, and the smaller iPad Mini comes with a 1024 X 768 screen. Google’s Nexus 10 beats the iPad with a resolution of 2560 x 1600, while its Nexus 7 model is sold with 1280 X 800 display. Amazon’s Kindle Fire runs somewhere in the middle with a 1920 X 1200 display for its 8.9 inch Fire HD version, while its 7-inch Fire HD and standard 7-inch versions boast resolutions of 1280 X 800 and 1024 X 600, respectively.
Remember that a high-resolution display on a small screen can make the small print more difficult to read. Before purchasing a tablet, try out a few of your favorite models to ensure you find the perfect match between resolution and screen size.
Good choice: Full size iPad or Nexus 10
3. Power Productivity through Word Processing
Whether writing or editing, a word processing app is key to maintaining the productivity you’ve experienced on a laptop or PC while using a tablet. Following are four apps for tablet users who need the ability to write and edit.
- QuickOffice Pro HD: QuickOffice Pro HD ($19.99 for both iOS and Android operating systems, $14.99 for Kindle), allows users to create and edit Microsoft Word, Excel, and Powerpoint documents. This app works with multiple versions of Microsoft Office, going back to Office 1997, as well as Google Docs.
- Office Suite Professional 7: Similar to QuickOffice Pro, Office Suite Professional 7 captures the breadth of Microsoft’s flagship product for tablets. For $14.99, users can create, view and edit Word, Excel and PowerPoint files and attachments and view PDF files on an Android based device.
- Pages: Touted as the most robust word processing app available for iOS devices, Pages is part of the iWork Suite and is available for $9.99. Your work can be saved as a Pages document, a Microsoft Word document, or a PDF. Documents can easily be saved to iCloud where you can access them from multiple devices.
- iA Writer: If you are looking for a low price application for an iPad or iPod, iA Writer may be the app for you. For only $.99, it provides the basic ability to write text and sync between a Mac, iPad or iPhone via iCloud. Unfortunately, there are no bells and whistles and no basic formatting.
- inClass: This free iPad and iPhone app is designed for students, allowing them to organize schedules, share notes and take audio recordings within one program. The tasks feature helps you to stay on top of study schedules and assignments, ensuring that you don’t miss the grade due to lack of preparedness.
Good choice: For basic formatting and synchronicity with Dropbox, Android offers easier options than iOS.
4. Consider Keyboarding
While the standard touch screen functionality available with most tablets is adequate for reading, those in writing or editing positions must consider the impacts a touchscreen keyboard will have on their productivity. Bluetooth keyboards are available for iOS, Android, and Kindle Fire devices that will make typing a far quicker process on a tablet than using the touchscreen. Options like the Kensington iPad keyboard double as a protective case.
Good choice: Find a compatible keyboard that you like (and isn’t too small to type comfortably on) before purchasing your tablet.
5. Plan for Storage
From saving drafts of recent novels to utilizing the full-functionality of a word processing suite, storage capacity matters. Buyers should carefully consider exactly what they will need, since storage space and price go hand-in-hand.
Apple offers as much as 128GB of storage on its iPad, but there are more moderate capacities on lower priced tablets in the range of 16GB to 32GB range. If you are on a budget, but need additional space, consider cloud storage via Box.net, Dropbox, Google Drive, and other services.
Good choice: You will pay dearly for storage with the iPad, while many Android models offer expandable memory with SD cards.
6. Dot Your “I’s” When it Comes to Price
In a down economy, anyone in the business world, regardless of industry, is keeping an eye on price. It is important to keep in mind not only your tablet needs, but the cost to meet those needs.
Amazon’s Kindle Fire represents the low-end with less expensive models starting at $159, while Apple represents the high end with its iPad Mini model starting at $329 and its iPad models costing as much as $929. If you are looking for a steal, consider Android tablets, which can be found on sale, in contrast to Apple’s iPad and iPad Mini, which are rarely discounted.
Good choice: Look for sales and be patient when purchasing an Android tablet. If you choose iPad, consider a refurbished model by Apple that includes the same warranty as a new product but is slightly cheaper.
Remember that a tablet is an investment, and carefully consider what you are expecting from your new device. If it is going to be your workhorse, it may be worth a few extra bucks to purchase exactly what you want and need. The perfect tablet can directly improve productivity, and subsequently, your professional success.