Even as shoppers tightened their belts at the prospect of an economic slowdown, manufacturers still shipped 156.8 million tablets in 2022. That’s over half the amount of shipments of ever-popular laptops worldwide.
That’s because tablets offer extra reliability and portability when compared to larger, more expensive gadgets. Are you one of those who are keen to explore the benefits of these mini-computers?
Here’s your guide to purchasing a tablet that ticks all your boxes.
Consider Your Size Preferences First
The size tablet you need depends on how and when you plan to use it. If you only intend to use your tablet at home, size isn’t that important.
Do you need to carry your tablet with you all the time? A smaller lighter version works best, especially when you consider the added weight of an android or iPad case for your tablet.
Are you interested in using your tablet for multimedia? A larger display will suit you better than a smaller one.
A large tablet allows you to surf the web and use various apps without having to scroll down much. It’s also easier to open multiple apps on a larger screen.
You should also consider the aspect ratio when it comes to screens. Long, narrow screens work well for streaming movies, but squarish screens like the iPad are better suited to most other things.
Of course, the larger the tablet, the bulkier it is, making it less convenient to carry around. So, if you travel a lot, a smaller tablet is a better fit for you.
When considering a small tablet, you must weigh up whether it has more functionality than your phone. If not, you can’t justify the extra cost.
How Much Should You Pay When Purchasing a Tablet?
When considering your options for tablets, it’s tempting to buy the most expensive one, and hope you’ve covered all the bases.
If you have an unlimited budget, this tactic may work for you. However, if you want the best value for money, it’s best to choose a tablet that only has features that add to what you intend to do with it.
For instance, you’ll pay more for advanced tablet features a LiDAR scanner or a premium camera system, but you’re wasting your money if you never use these things.
At present, none of the popular tablet brands have focused their designs around great cameras, as tablets suit multimedia better than photography.
Most people grab their phones first to capture images, and a tablet isn’t the first choice for taking a selfie, either. Thus, most tablets offer average rear and front-facing cameras that are good enough for the odd video call.
If you move many files to and from your tablet, it’s worth spending money on one with an upgraded port and fast transfer speeds. Rather spend your money on features you need when comparing tablet prices.
Tablet Features to Consider
Make a list of everything you intend to do with your tablet. If you want to use it for reading, you needn’t worry about a high-end display or masses of memory.
A cheap entry-level tablet will suit you fine. Likewise, if you’re buying a tablet for your child, a cheaper option will suffice, as long as it has enough memory for their games, apps, and schoolwork if necessary.
That said, it’s always best to buy a tablet with more RAM than you need now. Your needs might change in the future.
The internet is a necessity if you want to do work from your tablet, or relax while streaming a movie. Tablets with a built-in cellular service cost more, but most tablets offer excellent connectivity via Wi-Fi.
Which Operating System Suits You Best
A tablet’s operating system has a major impact on its capabilities. It determines which apps you can use, and how the tablet operates in general.
IOS and Android are the major operating systems available for both computers and tablets, although there are fewer Windows tablets around nowadays.
When it comes to tablets, the biggest difference between these operating systems is their ability to run multiple apps. An Android tablet can manage two apps side by side, while an iPad can run up to eight apps at once in resizable overlapping windows.
Another thing to consider is the app availability for each operating system. Most developers create apps for the iOS system first.
Read Online Customer Reviews
Once you’ve decided which features you need, you can create a shortlist of tablets that meet your needs. With this list in hand, consider online reviews about their pros and cons.
These first-hand accounts can reveal much about how a tablet performs in everyday situations. Try to find reviews that match the use you intend to get out of your laptop.
Don’t let one or two negative comments put you off. Rather, consider things in context and according to your needs.
For instance, if someone is unhappy about the display on their low-end tablet, they may have set their expectations too high.
You should also read reviews posted in magazines and online articles featuring the tablets you’re interested in. These in-depth reviews will cover every aspect of the tablet’s design, durability, and best uses.
Take Time Choosing Your Tech
Nowadays, technology is an integral part of daily life. A little research goes far when it comes to spending your hard-earned cash on gadgets to make your life easier.
Follow our guide to purchasing a tablet and you should have no problem finding the perfect match for you.
Do you want even more info? Browse our blog for top tech tips and trends.
