How To Select The Best Tablet Computer To Buy
The “tablet computer” (also basically known as a “tablet”) is a portable electronic device that is bigger than a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) or a mobile phone. All of the essential components that a computer needs to function have been put together and encased under a level touch screen, which is initially run by typing on a virtual keyboard on the screen instead of an actual keyboard, and naturally tapping or pressing the touch screen.
Because technology continues to evolve, tablets may be plugged to a physical keyboard via a USB port or wireless connection such as Bluetooth. There are some laptop computers that can be converted by making the screen turn a complete half-circle so they turn into tablets.
“Booklets” are tablets that have dual touch screens so that they turn into a laptop with one screen acting as a virtual keyboard. “Hybrids” allow the user to remove the keyboard part for the touch screen component to stand alone. Sites like 1sale A Day and Tiger Direct offer great deals for tablets and other products. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a tablet computer:
Operating System
The operating system is the program that acts as a form of communication between the user and the computer. It also controls the hardware components so that the user has a platform to work or play with. Think of the operating system like a driver for a car. The car will not run unless there is someone behind the wheel.
The iPhone and iPad devices use the proprietary “iOS” from Apple. Because a lot of these gadgets have been sold over the years, it remains the most popular operating system for tablets. Most non-Apple tablets will run on the “Android” operating system by Google, or “Windows 8” by Microsoft.
Screen Size
This factor is obviously significant because the bigger the screen size, the less portable the tablet becomes (unless the user is comfortable with carrying a heavy product). The “Apple iPad 2” has a 9.7-inch screen like its predecessor because Apple found out that users liked the screen size as is. The Android tablets measure 10.1 inches.
The “BlackBerry Playbook” and the “Dell Streak 7” provide products that measure 7 inches, and there are other tablets with smaller sizes, but they may end up being considered as “smartphones” -instead. You can visit stores like Target to check out the different tablets available in the market.
3G Compatibility
Users can connect their tablets to a Wi-Fi hotspot for online access, but some versions of the same product allow the user to plug in a SIM card that supports mobile Internet. The user can go online from any place with cellular signal, but the service will require a premium subscription. Those tablet computers that support 3G usually cost more.