Learn 5 Tips for Choosing the Right Tablet

In general, if you need to perform a lot of work on your tablet, particularly writing or processing documents and spreadsheets, a Windows tablet may be the best option. While you can readily read Word documents on an iPad, editing them requires a premium tool such as Quickoffice, and the process is still fairly awkward [source: Wilson]. Tablets running Android 3.0 (commonly known as Honeycomb) can accept Office files thanks to a premium app called Documents To Go 3.0, allowing users to create, view, and edit Word documents, Excel spreadsheets, and PowerPoint presentations.

 

Although Android tablets such as the Samsung Galaxy and Motorola Xoom now meet or exceed the iPad’s screen resolution and processing speed [sources: Bell; Tablet PC Comparison], the iPad remains the favorite for gaming and media playing. Of course, the one area where Apple is unquestionably the undisputed leader in its app store, which, as of November 2011, offered more than 140,000 programs for the iPad. If you know what apps or programs you want – or that you’ll need for work or school – be sure they’re available for the tablet you’re thinking about buying.

Feature Comparison

Once you’ve decided on an operating system, your list of options becomes more manageable (and if you’ve decided to go with iOS, your list will be very short indeed), making it easier to focus on the various features you’d like your new tablet to have.

Even if you choose the iPad 2, you’ll have a choice between a normal Wi-Fi model, which requires access to a Wi-Fi network to connect to the Internet, and a 3G modem, which connects to the Internet through 3G when Wi-Fi is unavailable. You may then choose between 16GB, 32GB, or 64GB of storage with either model. From there, it’s just black or white (your two color options! ) because all iPad 2 models have the same screen size and front and rear cameras for still photographs and video recording.

If you decide to go with an Android or Windows tablet, you should compare features across manufacturers to evaluate how each tablet compares. Examine specifications such as battery life, Wi-Fi versus 3G or 4G access, storage capacity, and processor speed, as well as optional features such as cameras and add-on accessories. For example, many tablets (including the iPad) now have both front and rear cameras, allowing you to see your screen when participating in Webchats (and see what you look like before taking a picture of yourself), as well as accessories such as stands, wall mounts, remote controls, speakers, and full external keyboards, which can transform your tablet into a media center or a more productive work station.

 

If you’ve just gotten information about tablets from the Internet up to this point, it might be time to do some hands-on research. Continue reading to find out why.

Size and Appearance should be compared.

Even if you intend to buy your tablet online, it’s a good idea to visit your local Apple shop or other electronics retailer to have a closer look at the tablets you’re interested in. Before you go, if you haven’t already, consider the tablet size, you’re searching for.