Buying a new tablet? Here are some things you should know
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Buying a new tablet is an exciting time, but with so many options, it can be hard to which on is right for you. In order to help you choose the right tablet, we are going to have a look at some important aspects to consider.
What is the right screen size for me?
Nearly all tablet screens can be separated into three categories for selection. First, there is the small range, made up of Mini Tablets and Large screen smart phones, with screen sizes ranging from 6.0 – 8.2 inch range. The second category is the normal range tablets, which have screen display sizes from 8.3 – 9.6 inch range. This range includes both of the smaller iPad (the iPad Mini) and the Samsung Galaxy smaller tablets. Finally the third is considered to be the larger range, and ranges from 9.7 inches up to 13inch+.
Most people buying a tablet tend to go for the normal or larger screen tablet, as their needs often involve browsing the net, checking emails, using Apps, watching videos and so on. If you have more specific needs, such as regularly commuting to work with a small backpack or purse, then you might want to consider the smaller option, so that you can easily pull it out and start using your tablet, without taking too much space of your bag.
Operating System?
There are three mainstream choices to consider for your tablet’s operating system. At the same time, you must remember that a tablet is not like a laptop/pc, and you can’t change the operating system, its dependent on the tablet that you purchase. The three choices that we recommended are iOS 8, Android, and Windows 8.1.
iOS 8
Apple’s operating system is used on several tablets, the iPad Mini, the iPad Air and is also used on Apple’s iPhones. It has a brilliant interface with a massive selection of apps available within Apple’s App Store. With iOS 8 Apple has added a variety of improvements and features, such as an improved camera app, and being able to share content with family members. The most compelling is the Continuity feature, which syncs iOS 8 and the latest Mac computer update (OSX Yosemite), as it enables you to call and text from your iPhone, iPad and tablet, or start off a word document on the laptop and finish it on the iPad.
Android
The Android 5.0 Lollipop operating system is a very customizable experience, with plenty of widgets, and launcher apps, making it truly your tablet. If the tablet isn’t an iPad or a Windows, it is most likely running on Android. Similar to that of iOS 8, Lollipop has a cross device interaction as it unifies phones, tablets and smartwatches by syncing photos, songs and apps into searches. A brilliant feature of the Lollipop OS is that you can adjust what appears on the lock screen, so that it only shows important people and certain notifications, so that you can easily be respond without unlocking the device.
Windows 8.1
Windows 8.1 offers a unique operating system; as it feels like a hybrid of both a PC and a Tablet, as it can be personalized to either classic PC or modern “Live Tiles”, as you can customize the background, make your favourite apps appear on the main menu, or give it that old school PC look. Like the Apple and Android, it is possible to start content on one device and finish it off on another. Unique to this operating system is the ability to connect to and play Xbox video games, so you can get high quality video games.
How are you going to use it?
Family and Kids
If you intend to share the tablet with family and kids, you may want to set up a family sharing account (such as on Apple), so that content can be easily shared, and so that they can’t accidently buy products not meant for them. You can also enable Parental Controls, found within all tablets. Some devices such as the Android are able to have separate profiles, making it easier to share one device.
Business and Productivity
For the business and productivity, it is generally better to stick with the larger range tablets, as the bigger screen will make it easier to perform tasks, write documents, and respond to those important emails. You might also want to consider getting an external keyboard, to make yourself more productive. A writing stylus might also be a good idea, if you’re not quite ready to give up hand writing notes.
Gaming
For those who enjoy gaming, the Apple iPad should be considered, due to its high quality video games and its incredible range. Should you be looking into Android, the Google Play store is generally improving and trying to catch up with Apple. Windows also offers a decent range, and can connect to Xbox games. For those who happen to be a heavy gamer, they may want to consider the “Nvidia Shield Tablet”, as it can play Android, stream PC games, and has a controller option for those that prefer a hand held controller.
Media Usage
Nearly all tablets offer a great range of media, such as Apple’s iTunes selection, Android’s Google Play, as well as Windows media player. You can also get unique apps to increase the media usage, such as Netflix and Spotify (provided you are connected to the internet). You can also get Electronic Books and TV shows as well on just about all tablets.
Is there anything else I should consider?
Almost all tablets have a built in storage capacity that can’t be changed after being purchased, so you need to consider how much storage you need, as it affects how often you need to delete files and the final price of the tablet. You should also consider if the tablet should be Wi-Fi or Wi-Fi and Cellular (Wi-Fi requires a wireless network, while a Wi-Fi and Cellular can be used more freely, such as those who commute).
You should also see if you already own a device from one of main systems, such as an iPhone, as switching to a different tablet may cause difficulties. You often can’t share apps between operating systems (an example of this is that you can’t share your iPhone apps with a Windows tablet). If possible, you should head on into an electronic retail store and get a feel for the tablet yourself before you purchase, as most will have a selection available for demo.
