The humble tablet has become a universal tech item for each and every one of us – from young children using them for games, to even older, retired generations seeking a new tech-savvy life through their first piece of contemporary smart-technology.
They’re quite not a smartphone, but not quite a laptop – instead, they sit somewhere in between as a fast, simple, and handy piece of electronic equipment that helps us carry out pretty much anything we might want to as part of 21st-century life online.
It’s no surprise that tablets are becoming increasingly popular amongst a broad bracket of demographics, but if you want to get the most out of your tablet, make sure you choose the right one for you. Here’s our brief guide…
What screen size is for me?
7 inches – The smallest tablets will be the cheapest too. 7 inches could be the best option if you want a handy-size pocket friend for reading and browsing.
8 inches – Still on the smaller side, but usually with a better quality screen resolution. Perfect for streaming videos on your commute. Remember – the bigger the screen, the heavier the weight – usually!
10 + inches – Anything bigger than 10 inches will require two hands, so depending on what you’ll use it for, consider whether it’ll be ergonomic enough. Bigger sizes are typically better for professional/admin use.
How much should I spend?
Less than $200 – You get what you pay for – anything less than $200 will usually be made from plastic and built with a less sophisticated system. So, if you want a tablet for moderate use and minuscule tasks, go for the cheaper designs that’ll save you money.
$200 – $500 – The more you pay, the faster they’ll be to use. A middle-range price is the popular choice, sporting both a sleek metal design and providing a system with sufficient speed, great screen quality, and a longer battery life.
More than $500 – Go for the top of the range if you’ll be using your tablet all day, everyday – eg. carrying out professional tasks such as creating documents, storing data, networking and communicating, etc. You can get specialist tablets that have specific features for what you’ll be using it for.
What is the best operating system?
There are four major operating systems that most tablets come under. Each has their own pros and cons, so listen up!
Amazon Fire OS – (Amazon Fire 8, Amazon Fire 7, Fire HD 10)
Amazon is typically the lower-range system, mostly suitable for browsing online, streaming media, or reading literature. They come as exclusive Amazon products, and they’re typically the cheapest with the smallest range to choose from.
Android
Android is the most popular tablet operating system. Samsung, Huawei, and Lenovo are the most well-known brands using Android, and because of this, there’s a wide variety of models to choose from. Android is best if you want to adapt your tablet to your own needs.
Apple iOS
Apple’s operating system is exclusively available on iPads only. If you’re a fan of Apple, chances are this iOS will be the system for you. It’s generally considered to be the quickest to use and the simplest to navigate around. It’s also the best for any creative work – drawing, designing, photoshopping, etc.
Windows
The Windows system has the most laptop-like experience – so if you’re going to be using your tablet for any numerical or admin work, then chances are Windows will be best for you.
There’s a whole host of different options out there for you to explore, so if you’re unsure what’s best for you, perhaps consider going into an electronics store and physically trying them out for yourself.
