Two devices aren't enough. Having just a smartphone and a laptop computer doesn't quite cut it these days. Phones are too small and laptops are too big on certain occasions.
It would be so convenient to have a
device in between the two. Luckily, those devices exist, and they're called
tablets.
When people hear the word tablet,
they immediately think of the Apple tablet; iPads. While iPads are
amazing, they are expensive. And they might not be perfect for everyone.
So we put together a tablet buying
guide below to show you what types of tablets are available from various
brands. We provide recommendations for choosing the right tablet, so you have
the perfect device to whip out next time you're on a long flight.
Keep reading to learn how to buy a
new tablet today.
What
Do You Need a Tablet for?
The most important factor when
choosing a tablet is knowing what you will be using it for. Tablets are
incredibly versatile. People use them in many different ways, but certain
tablets are better suited to specific tasks than others.
Here are a few use cases to
consider.
Lifestyle
Tablet
Most people who are shopping around
for a tablet fall into this category. They are looking for another device to
add to their collection to handle basic tasks.
This can include checking and
responding to emails, browsing the web, listening to podcasts, or playing basic
games.
They just need an extension of their
phone or computer to bring with them to the bedroom, the coffee shop, or the
backyard, without having to carry around a heavy laptop or strain their eyes on
tiny phones.
Almost any type of tablet will work
for these people, and it largely depends on your budget. iPads are great if all
of your other devices are from Apple. But an Android tablet or even an Amazon
tablet would work well, too.
Work
Tablet
Others are looking for a tablet to
use for work-related purposes. If you have meetings in lots of different places
or need to travel to client offices on a regular basis, it can be much easier
to bring an iPad rather than a computer.
You can take notes during a meeting
or share presentations or progress on a current project. Higher-end, faster
tablets like Apple or Android tablets may work best.
Travel
Device
This overlaps with the lifestyle
category a bit. For those who travel a lot, especially by plane, tablets
are a lifesaver.
Long flights require entertainment,
and the tablet is the perfect size for your seatback tray table. You can use
them to watch movies, play games, read the news, or read e-books.
Many people will bring a tablet
while on vacation to handle light work tasks while they're away, without the
need to bring an entire computer.
Design
Work
There are a growing number of
graphic designers and artists who are adopting tablets as their medium of
choice. High-end tablets can run complex design software. And the touchscreen
is a natural fit, making them much more enjoyable to use than traditional
computers or laptops.
To handle design work, you're likely
going to need an iPad, since design software is so resource-intensive. Cheaper
tablets can't handle it. Nor will their touchscreens be responsive enough for
detailed designs.
Gaming
We aren't talking about Words With
Friends here. Some people use tablets as serious gaming devices. They'll play
some of the modern-full-sized computer games on their tablet.
To do this, you'll need a tablet
capable of handling the graphics and computing power of modern games, similar
to a design tablet.
Kids
Tablets are the perfect devices for
kids. The touchscreen makes it easy for even toddlers to watch and interact on
a tablet.
Generally, you don't need to buy an
expensive tablet for kids. In fact, doing so can be silly, since they might
break them.
Amazon tablets are very popular for
kids, as they're affordable and can handle cartoons, books, and games with
ease. Plus, they're designed to be indestructible.
Tablet
Buying Guide
So what else should you consider
when choosing a tablet? First off, the size.
You can find mini-tablets, which
aren't much bigger than smartphones. Or you can find extra-large tablets that
are about the size of a laptop, but thinner and lighter.
The quality of the display is
important, too. If you plan to watch a lot of shows or movies, then a screen
with 1080p is ideal. But that might be overkill if you're just using it for
basic tasks and email.
Also, think about connectivity. Some
tablets can connect to 3G, while others are made for 4G networks. A few newer
tablets even have 5G connectivity options for ultimate performance.
And one of the biggest factors that
will determine cost is the amount of storage space on the device. It's common
for cheaper tablets to have 8GB of storage, while beefier models have up to
64GB storage space.
Without further ado, here's are
Apple, Android, and Amazon tablet buying guide.
Most
Popular Tablets
The iPad from Apple is still the
most popular tablet, and for good reason. These devices are slick and
streamlined. The hardware is incredibly impressive, working nearly as well as
Macbook laptops.
You can handle nearly any task with
an iPad. Though heavy-duty tasks should use iPads with the most storage space,
which will cost more.
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite
is on par with the iPad in terms of display, functionality, and performance. If
you aren't an Apple nerd, then this tablet will do everything an iPad can do,
and sometimes better. It's perfect for those looking to boost productivity at
work or as a designer.
Those looking for a simple and
affordable tablet can go with the Amazon Fire tablet. It works well with Alexa
and other Amazon devices.
It will handle the basics, like
reading and watching shows. But it can't handle big programs.
Finding
the Perfect Tablet
Hopefully, our tablet buying guide
has helped shed some light on the various tablets available, and the different
ways you can use them.
There is no one-size-fits-all. How
you plan to use it will determine how much you should expect to spend, and
which brand is best for your needs.
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